Resolute action paid off in Iraq

General Wavell had not wanted to deal with Iraq, but the high command in London (the Defence Committee) had rightly forseen that vigorous action was required to keep Iraq from becoming a major problem. General Wavell, the theater commander was overruled, and a force was dispatched to Iraq under strong leadership. The action of the local officers and the newly arrived force kept the situation in Iraq from spinning out of control. The attitude of soldiers and airman was enthusiastic, and with plenty of initiative, they overcame the Iraqi forces. The Germans and Italians like the idea of Iraq being in revolt, but the reality was that they could do little to help, as they were totally unprepared. What they were able to do was "too little, too late". The British were fortunate to be finished in Iraq when they were, because Syria was about to explode into crisis. This is my editorializing over the account in Vol.II of the Official History.