‘Stop Altogether Talking of Rommel': Auchinleck’s Order, German Propaganda and the BBC

In 1942, General Sir Claude Auchinleck instructed his men to ‘stop altogether talking of Rommel’. This order underpins postwar claims the campaign in North Africa was gentlemanly, characterised by mutual respect. However, although Rommel had a strong reputation with Eighth Army's troops, this was as much driven by actions in London as by events in Libya. In reality, there was little friendly or respectful in Auchinleck's intent, or in its use as propaganda by the Nazi authorities. The different picture this reveals indicates assessments that defeat in June/July 1942 were due to Eighth's Army's poor morale require reassessment.