SIR CHAS. MUNRO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4157, 7 February 1916, Page 5

SIR CHAS. MUNRO.

The “Daily Chronicle” contains the following: War makes and unmakes military reputations : it is the .supreme and infallible test of leadership. It may therefore be taken as a cause of legitimate pride across the Tweed that those commanders who have forged to the front in this greatest of : all British wars are nearly all Scotsmen. In curious contrast, it was chiefly the Irish genius for war that asserted itself in the South African campaign. General Monro, the new commander at Gallipoli, is the most striking instance. of the emergence of Scottish leadership during the last fifteen months. ~ At the outbreak of hostilities he was merely an officer of a Territorial Force; to-day lie is Commander-in-Chief of our second front of war. He has been entrusted with the most difficult and dangerous task that has ever been undertaken by British arms. Those who have met him have no doubt that lie will rise to the measure of the task, stupendous as it isIn outward appearance and in character Sir Charles Monro belongs to a definite type, sturdy-framed, strong-jawed, he looks, as lie is, every inch a soldier. All the characteristics of first-rate generalship are his —instant judgment and unlimited receptiveness to ideas, imperturbability of disposition, unflinching courage, and the dual capacity of winning popularity among his officers and men. and inspiring confidence. He is comparatively young for such high command, being only 55 years of age. No promotion lias been mone deserved . In August, 1914, lie went out tG France in command of the Second Division of the London Territorials. He had then the rank of General. Before the battle of MonsCharleroi he assumed command of the Second Regular Division. So distinguished was his exercise of that command in the retreat to the Marne and in the fighting in the Aisne that he was mentioned in dispatches, made a K.C.8., and given command of an Army Corps. In this capacity lie has had under him liis old Second Division of the London Territorials, who have now become the 47th Division, and have fought throughout with splendid gallantry. Some months ago Sir Charles Munro became Commander of an. Army. Now he is Commander-in-Chief ; His rise lias been as singularly rapid as it has been justified. He has had an excellent training in his 36 years of service. 'ln 1897-8 he fought in the Mohmand and Tirali Expeditions. In the South African War lie held a post on the staff, took part in the rebel of Kimberley and the fighting at Paardeburg and Driefontem, and was mentioned in dispatches.