SIR JONH FRENCH.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11113, 1 December 1914, Page 2

SIR JONH FRENCH.

QUICK TO APPRECIATE

Sir Jolm is great enough to be able to appreciate other men’s efforts. Here is an example. In 1903 when he was in Orange River he noticed a very clever piece of covered field work. He sent his aide-r!e-camp to examine it more closely. His report was enthusiastic enough to attract the General to return and look carefully at it. When he was at the fort the officer in charge was complimented by the General, who added that it recalled to his memory a book, “The Defence of Plevna,’’ which had been lent to him many j’ears before by Charles Williams, the veteran war corres- : pondent of the Daily Chronicle, j The officer modestly informed General French that he was the author of the book, and the General’s compliments were then additionally cordial. Later on, when a popular edition of the “Defence’of Plevna” was issued, Sir John French wrote' a preface’ commending it to the study of military strategists. The little Kent village of Ripple is proud to claim the Field-Marshal as a native. It was there that he was born on. September 28th, 1853., the only son of a naval captain. It was only natural that he should turn to the sea as his profession, so when he was fourteen he joined the old “Britannia” training ship, and ultimately served in the Navy for : four years. Then the young midshipman went into the Army, following in this respect eminent soldiers like Field-Marshal Sir Evelyn Wood, Sir Reginald Hennell, D. 5.0., and others who first served on the sea. There Is no doubt that General French was better suited for a military careeer, and he has never regretted that he made the change early enough in his life. Yet he has almost as many friends in the Navy as in the Army, and takes a warm interest in its concerns. A PEN PORTRAIT. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle thus describes General French: “In person he is short and thick, with a pugnacious jaw. In character he Is a man of cold persistence and of fiery energy, cautious, and yet audacious, weighing his actions well, but carrying them out with the dash which befits a mounted leader. He is remarkable for the quickness of his decision—‘can think at a gallop,’ as an admirer expressed it.” One may add to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s portrait the statement that Sir John French is a silent man, resembling Lord Kitchener in this respect. He has given little occasion to the journalist to chronicle personal facts about him, for he has kept out of the limelight as much as possible. A strict disciplinarian, it is known that when the Ulster crisis arose he had very stern views as to the duty of officers. That was the only occasion when ha may be said to have come into close touch with politicians. He took a strong line from which nobody could move him, and the result was that he quitted the War Office, but remained the Government’s “first choice” in anytime of need. BROTHER OF MRS DESPARD.

Mrs Despard, whose name and personality are so well known in the movement on behalf of women’s suffrage, is a sister of Sir John French. She has the most enthusiastic admiration for her brother, although their opinions in many matters do not coincide. Mrs Despard is a Roman Catholic, with a keen interest in theosophy. She has chosen to live among the poor in the simplest possible fashion, and she hates to have this called selfsacrifice. Strong-minded, ready to suffer for principles, eager to redress wrongs, she has won the respect of those who do not share her views. She is a hard worker, and counts no effort too strenuous if she can serve the lowly and distressed, HIS CAREER IN BRIEF. The regiment he first joined was the Bth Hussars, but he was transferred to the 19th Hussars, and ultimately rose to the command of that regiment. After serving at headquarters, he was appointed to the command of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade. Then he became MajorGeneral commanding the Cavalry Division in Natal, and, later, the Lieutenant-General in Souch Africa. In 1907 he became General, having for six years previously commanded the Ist Army Corps. General French was the second to hold the new office of Inspector-General of the Forces, succeeding the Duke of Connaught in 1907. He held the post until March, 1913, when Sir Charles Douglas was appointed. The title has been amended to “Inspector-General of the Home Forces.” It was under General French’s guidance that King Edward went in 1909 to the balloon sheds at Aidershot, and was shown the new baby dirigibile balloon. The wind was too high for the ..balloon to make an ascent, but the King asked for it to be brought out and held down by several men while the officer in charge explained the details of its construction. A Field-Marshal’s baton was conferred on him in 1913, amid general approbation. He has received many honours,but remains the same quiet, determined man who seeks to “get things done” rather than to earn the acclaim of the crowd. Whatever be the ultimate outcome of this ypar, there can be no doubt that Generl French will enhance his already splendid record. His selection to command the Expeditionary Force was specially welcome to France, as he was well known to the leaders of the French Army, and had been present at the French manoeuvres again and again, and exchanged views with the chief of the army. His surname was thought to add an appropriateness to a soldier chosen to command on French soil. Punch said wittily that the Brtish troops were able to speak the “French of Kimberlye.” The General will never forget the greeting which he received on arriving in Paris to take up his command.