SSC
The German general Erwin Rommel earned the nickname 'Desert Fox' for his command in North Africa during:
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Answer: Option B — World War II
Detailed Solution
The German general Erwin Rommel earned the nickname "Desert Fox" ("Wustenfuchs") for his skilful command of the German and Italian forces in North Africa during the Second World War.
About Erwin Rommel:
- He was born on 15 November 1891 at Heidenheim, in Germany.
- He served as an infantry officer in the First World War, and won Germany's highest military award for bravery for his actions in Italy.
- He wrote a book on infantry tactics, "Infantry Attacks" (1937), which was read by Hitler.
- In the Second World War, he commanded a panzer (tank) division during the invasion of France (1940), which advanced so fast that it was called the "Ghost Division".
North Africa:
- In February 1941, he was sent to Libya to help the Italian forces, who had been defeated by the British.
- He commanded the "Afrika Korps", and won several victories against the British through bold and rapid manoeuvres.
- He captured Tobruk in June 1942, and was promoted to Field Marshal.
- He was defeated by the British Eighth Army under General Bernard Montgomery at the Second Battle of El Alamein (Egypt) in October-November 1942.
Later life:
- He was put in charge of the defence of the Atlantic coast of France against the Allied invasion; he was wounded in July 1944.
- He was suspected of involvement in the plot to kill Hitler (20 July 1944).
- He was forced to commit suicide on 14 October 1944, and was given a state funeral, with the cause of death hidden.
His reputation:
He was respected even by his enemies for his tactical skill and his fair treatment of prisoners.
Indian soldiers in North Africa:
Divisions of the British Indian Army, such as the 4th and 5th Indian Divisions, fought in the North African campaign.
Other military nicknames:
Bernard Montgomery was called "Monty".
George S. Patton of the USA was called "Old Blood and Guts".
Why not the other options?
- ✗Rommel did not earn this nickname in the First World War, the Franco-Prussian War or the Korean War.
Quick tip
Remember: "Desert Fox" = Erwin Rommel (Second World War, North Africa, Afrika Korps); defeated by Montgomery at El Alamein (1942).
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World GK: Countries, Capitals & Currencies — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of World GK: Countries, Capitals & Currencies, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers world GK: countries with their capitals, currencies and parliaments, national symbols, famous landmarks, the longest, largest and highest features of the world, and international boundary lines such as the Radcliffe, McMahon and Durand Lines. The most common questions match a country with its capital or currency, or a parliament with its name (such as the Knesset of Israel or the Diet of Japan). Revise countries continent by continent, giving extra attention to India's neighbours. Questions on boundary lines usually ask which two countries a line separates. Practise the world GK questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.