North Africa (general region)
Subject
Subject Source: Local sources
Found in 296 Collections and/or Records:
Item
(Untitled), 05 Nov 1942 - 07 Nov 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/59/126-130
Scope and Contents
Letter from King George VI to WSC congratulating him on the success of the 8th Army in Egypt [at El Alamein]; with WSC's reply on the value of the King's support and the progress of "Torch" [codename for the Allied invasion of North West Africa] and notes by John Martin and Francis Brown [Private Secretaries to WSC] ascertaining that the King's letter will not be published.
Dates:
05 Nov 1942 - 07 Nov 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 24 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69A/29
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC giving the latest details of the 8th Army in North Africa: enemy tanks and artillery engaged at Antelat [Libya] and Saunnu but without decisive result; general description and position of troops; intention of Lieutenant- General Neil Ritchie [Commander, 8th Army] to stabilise his position and launch an offensive; "Once again [General Erwin] Rommel [Commander, Afrika Corps] has made bold stroke ... The...
Dates:
24 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 28 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69A/57
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest situation in North Africa, including details of troop movements and positions, and the enemy's apparent division of forces in an attempt to secure both Mechili [Al Makili, Libya] and Benghazi.
Dates:
28 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 18 Feb 1942 - 16 May 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/62/96-103
Scope and Contents
Memorandum by Major Orde Wingate on the reconnaissance of Tibesti [Libya] as the first step in the conquest of North Africa, recommending the use of a native army, [including map, at CHAR 20/62/115]; forwarded to WSC and Lieutenant-General Sir Hastings Ismay [Chief of Staff to WSC] by Randolph Churchill; with note from Ismay to WSC commenting on the unfeasibility of the plan, and forwarding note from John Peck [Assistant Private Secretary to WSC] to Lieutenant-Commander M Knott [Private...
Dates:
18 Feb 1942 - 16 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 29 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69A/64
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest situation in North Africa, including: the confusion of the situation around Benghazi [Libya] and details of recent fighting not yet received; 1st Armoured division attempted to move on Elabiar but the going was bad and the division is now back at Charubba; Lieutenant- General Neil Ritchie [Commander, 8th Army] aims to stabilise the position and collect forces for a counter-offensive.
Dates:
29 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 30 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69B/76-78
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander in Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding latest situation in North Africa: states that the loss of Benghazi [Libya] is "only temporary"; suggests reasons for defeat of armoured force; concludes "that to meet German armoured forces with any reasonable hope of decisive success our armoured forces as at present equipped organised and led must have at least two to one superiority"; believes General Erwin Rommel [Commander, Afrika Corps] will...
Dates:
30 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Item
(Untitled), 31 Jan 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69B/84
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander- in-Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest situation in North Africa: "Yesterday was uneventful"; gives latest troop positions; is examining future prospect and hopes to send recommendations in 2 or 3 days.
Dates:
31 Jan 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Item
(Untitled), 30 Jul 1942 - 25 Aug 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/65/88-98
Scope and Contents
Letter and reports by Randolph Churchill to WSC on the command structure and personalities in the Middle East, including Lieutenant- General Thomas Corbett, Chief of General Staff, Middle East, Richard Casey [Minister of State, Middle East], Air Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder [Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, RAF, Middle East], Air Vice-Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham, Sir Miles Lampson [British Ambassador to Egypt and High Commissioner for the Sudan, later 1st Lord Killearn] and Michael Wright,...
Dates:
30 Jul 1942 - 25 Aug 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 03 Feb 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/69B/108
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in- Chief, Middle East, to WSC regarding the latest position in North Africa: estimates no more than 1000 prisoners captured by enemy in Benghazi [Libya]; positions at Mechili [? Al Makili, Libya] and Tengeder [? Bir Tanjadar, Libya] being consolidated; our mobile columns and fighting patrols operating actively in the vicinity of Msus [? Masus, Libya] and Charruba; suggests enemy may continue eastward movement and identifies possible...
Dates:
03 Feb 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
Open
Item
(Untitled), 14 May 1941
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/38/130-132
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC with detailed assessment of likely German attack: Ukraine Caucasus, Middle East plus French Africa, Britain and the Atlantic. With note in the hand of John Colville [Prime Minister's Private Secretary] that the Dominions Office have asked for this telegram to be circulated to the War Cabinet and Defence Committee.
Dates:
14 May 1941
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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(Untitled), 15 Mar 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/71B/164
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to General Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief, Middle East: comments on the implications of delaying an attack, particularly for Malta and North Africa and on comparative allied and enemy tank numbers; states that he is sending Sir Stafford Cripps [Lord Privy Seal] to India via Cairo [Egypt] to put across the views of the War Cabinet, accompanied by Lieutenant-General Archibald Nye [Vice-Chief of the Imperial General Staff].
Dates:
15 Mar 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 15 May 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/39-40
Scope and Contents
Telegram from the Minister of State in the Middle East [Richard Casey] to WSC reporting on his first ten days in Egypt and the impressions he has gained: includes comments on the harmonious working of the army and air force; the administrative work of Lieutenant-General Thomas Riddell- Webster [Lieutenant General in charge of Administration Middle East]; organisation of supplies in the Middle East; the situation in Syria and Egypt; relations with United States forces; the use of Spitfires...
Dates:
15 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 20 May 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/62-63
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to General Sir Claude Auchinleck [Commander-in-Chief Middle East] marked "most secret" regarding impending battle in North Africa: states that "We feel that the time has come for a trial of strength in Cyrenaica [Libya] and that the survival of Malta is involved"; comments on the need to prevent newspaper speculation; expresses his confidence in Auchinleck and the army but urges him to assume direct command; asks whether the New Zealand Division ought to be nearer the...
Dates:
20 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 22 May 1942
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Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/71-72
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Sir Claude Auchinleck [Commander- in-Chief, Middle East] to WSC marked "most secret" regarding the impending battle in North Africa: states that "I am now absolutely clear as to my task and I will do my utmost to accomplish it to your satisfaction"; thanks WSC for arrangements regarding publicity and for his expression of confidence; comments on his own decision not to take command personally in Libya; comments on his own decision not to move the New Zealand Division...
Dates:
22 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 26 May 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/79-81
Scope and Contents
Telegram from Field Marshal Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC marked "most secret and personal" reporting his conclusions on general strategy based upon his visit to the Middle East: comments on the situation in Libya and states that he considers "conclusive operations in Libyan bulge essential for our real victory"; comments on the importance of holding a Middle East block, including Iran, Iraq, India, Ceylon [later Sri Lanka] and the Indian Ocean, from both German and...
Dates:
26 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 28 May 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/97-98
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to the President of the United States, Franklin Roosevelt: informs Roosevelt that he is sending a report of his conversations with Vyacheslav Molotov [Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs] covering "Bolero" [codename for build-up of United States forces in Britain for invasion of Europe], "Sledgehammer" [codename for plan to attack coast of France in 1942] and "Super Round- up" [codename for the liberation of France in 1943, later Overlord]; comments on talks with United...
Dates:
28 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 29 May 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/75/114-116
Scope and Contents
Telegram from the Minister of State in the Middle East [Richard Casey] to WSC marked "most secret" commenting on the difficulties of increasing the proportion of fighting manpower within the total strength of the army in the Middle East: states that the matter has already received considerable attention; comments on problems of geography, lack of industrial development and distance from sources of production which necessitate large support services; discusses the possibility of diluting...
Dates:
29 May 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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Item
(Untitled), 28 Jun 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/77/34-36
Scope and Contents
Telegram from the Minister of State in the Middle East [Richard Casey] to WSC marked "personal and most secret" reporting on the battle in North Africa: States that General Claude Auchinleck [Commander in Chief Middle East] is telegraphing him directly and regularly from Eighth Army Headquarters; comments on Auchinleck's plan of campaign ; states that the battle will be a mobile one fought between Matruh [Egypt] and El Alamein [Egypt] and southwards to the Qattara depression [Egypt];...
Dates:
28 Jun 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 30 Jun 1942 - 01 Jul 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/77/49
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC suggesting that the Royal Air Force concentrate its maximum bombing force against the German army and ports in North Africa instead of bombing towns in Germany.
Dates:
30 Jun 1942 - 01 Jul 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 04 Jul 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/77/63-64
Scope and Contents
Telegram from WSC to General Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] marked "most secret and personal": states that he has "been so much harried by the weaker brethren in the House of Commons since my return from America last week" and offers condolences for cruel losses to South African Divisions; comments on reverses in Middle East over last three weeks and lists reinforcements being sent to the area; comments on plans to strike at Japan through Burma [later Myanmar]. Annotated in red...
Dates:
04 Jul 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 05 Jul 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/77/71
Scope and Contents
Telegram from Air Marshal Arthur Tedder [Air Officer Commander in Chief Mediterranean] to WSC marked "personal" thanking him for his inspiring message: "All of us are determined to do our utmost and more to help the Army to clear the enemy out of Africa.".
Dates:
05 Jul 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 07 Jul 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/77/79
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC marked "most secret and personal": comments on "heartening" news from Middle East and predicts successful counter stroke; comments on difficulties facing General Sir Claude Auchinleck [Commander in Chief Middle East] as he advances; expresses anxiety to accelerate movement of South African Brigade Group from Madagascar to Middle East; expresses admiration for the way WSC has handled "parliamentary situation" [vote of...
Dates:
07 Jul 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 08 Jul 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/77/97-98
Scope and Contents
Telegram from Minister of State in the Middle East [Richard Casey] to WSC marked "most secret and personal" regarding the fate of the French fleet at Alexandria [Egypt]: Outlines concerns voiced by Admiral Henry Harwood [Commander in Chief Mediterranean] about repercussions that would follow on the sinking of the French ships; Suggests that Harwood be allowed to offer Admiral Rene Godfrey the alternative of sailing through the Suez Canal to Portugese East Africa or Martinique where fleet...
Dates:
08 Jul 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 13 Jul 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/77/124
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC, and repeated to General Sir Claude Auchinleck [Commander in Chief Middle East] warning of the dangers that would arise from the enemy fortifying the gap between El Alamein and the Qattara depression [Egypt].
Dates:
13 Jul 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.
Item
(Untitled), 13 Jul 1942
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0014/CHAR 20/77/126
Scope and Contents
Telegram from General Jan Smuts [Prime Minister of South Africa] to WSC marked "most secret and personal" regarding the position of the French warships at Alexandria [Egypt], commenting on the implications of threat by Pierre Laval [Head of the government, Vichy France] to declare war if the ships are tampered with, and urging that the ships are only sunk as a last resort.
Dates:
13 Jul 1942
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Fonds:
The Churchill Papers are made available to researchers using Churchill Archives Centre and worldwide in digital format. The digital edition of the Churchill Papers is published by Bloomsbury Academic and is available online to subscribing institutions at churchillarchive.com. The Churchill archive is freely available in our reading rooms and onsite at Churchill College (via the Churchill College wireless network). Researchers can download images of documents directly from churchillarchive.com and so are encouraged to consider bringing a laptop or other device for this purpose. For conservation reasons, the fragile originals are no longer issued to researchers.
This digital edition is open to researchers unless otherwise marked in the catalogue. Some material has been closed by the Cabinet Office or by Churchill Archives Centre in accordance with data protection legislation.