In July 1941 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Middle East theater but after initial successes the war in North Africa turned against the British and he was relieved of the post in 1942 during the crucial Alamein campaign .
In July 1941 he was appointed Commander in Chief of the Middle East theater ; after initial successes the war in North Africa turned against the British , and he was relieved of the post in 1942 during the crucial Alamein campaign .