Field Marshal Earl Wavell (oil on canvas)

Archibald Percival Wavell (1882-1950) 1st Earl Wavell. Field Marshal Earl Wavell was the highest ranking Black Watch officer and the Regiment's most famous son. He was known to thousands of soldiers in the British Empire during the Second World War. As Commander-in-Chief Middle East he fought with great skill against the Germans and Italians in the Western Desert in Ethiopia. He was overwhelmingly successful in these Theatres of Operations. The German General, Erwin Rommel, considered him to be, 'the only British general with a touch of genius'. Later, as Commander-in-Chief India in the war against the Japanese, he was recognised as an outstanding administrator. As Viceroy and Governor General of India he oversaw the difficult process that led to independence for the sub-continent. Wavell was Colonel of the Regiment from 1946 to 1950. He was a man of scholarly interests and attainments as an anthologist, essayist and biographer.