On 25 June, General Claude Auchinleck—Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) Middle East Command—relieved Ritchie and assumed direct command of the Eighth Army himself.
Pada tanggal 25 Juni, Jenderal Claude Auchinleck Komandan in Chief (C in C) Timur Tengah Command lega Ritchie dan memegang komando langsung dari Angkatan Darat Kedelapan sendiri.