August 22, 1 9 14 
LAND AND WATER 
THE BRITISH COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 
FIELD-MARSHAL SIR JOHN FRENCH, K.C.M.G,. G.C.V.O. 
Field-Marshal Sir John French wat born in 1852, and began his career in the service of his country as a naval cadet and midship- 
man in the Royal Navy from 1866 lo 1870. In 1874 he entered tKe 8th Husbart, and wes transferred to the 19th Hussars, with 
which regiment he went through the Soudan Campaign of 1884-5, being in the actions of Abu Klea, Cubut. and Metemneh. 
In 1889 he assumed command of his regiment, and in 1897 was appointed Brigadier in command of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. On 
the outbreak of the South African war Sir John was appointed Major-Ceneral, and given command of the Cavalry Division in 
Natal. He was in command at the battle of Elandslaagte, and of the cavaliy of Sir George >X''hite's force at Reiifonlein and 
Lombard's Kop. Promoted Lieutenani-General in 1900, he look part in many important engagement!, remaining on actual field 
service up to the end of the war. Promoted lo General in IS07, and appointed Inspector-General of the Farces, which post he 
held up to 1911. In 1913 he received his Baton, and on the outbreak of the present war was given the post of Commander- 
in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force 
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