Broken Friendship: The Relationship between General Sir Alan Brooke and Lieutenant-General Andrew McNaughton, 1917–1943

Abstract

Previous examinations of the relationship between British General Sir Alan Brooke and Canadian Lieutenant-General Andrew McNaughton have focussed on Brooke’s role in securing McNaughton’s dismissal as commander of First Canadian Army. This article examines their relationship from their time together on the artillery staff of Canadian Corps during the Great War until McNaughton resigned as commander of First Canadian Army in December 1943. It argues that only through an explanation of friendship can Brooke’s hesitancy in replacing McNaughton during the severe strains of 1941–1943, until forced to do so by necessity, not animosity, be explained.