The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1914. A GREAT SOLDIER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 68, 16 November 1914, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1914. A GREAT SOLDIER.

Throughout the British Empire the news of the death of Field Marshal Lord Roberts will be received with - deepest sorrow and regret. For many years the gallant and intrepid soldier has stood for the highest ideals in chivalrous conduct and patriotism of the British Army, and his fine example has undoubtedly done much' for the British soldier of to-day. The glorious deeds of our Army in Europe even dim the tales of the battlefields of history on which British troops have fought and bled and conquered. Born in India in 1832, Lord Roberts began his distinguished military career in 1857, and fought in many of the Mutiny engagements. Ever since he has devoted the whole of his long life to ceaseless and untiring work for his country, and even when his active service as Commander-in-Chief ended he, did not rest but entered upon a marvellously \ngorous campaign for Home Defence, realising the need, as few have done in the past, that Britain must make greater military sacrifice to protect _ herself against the menace of foreign foe. How truly he realised the position is shown by what we are experiencing to-day from German treachery. In face of much hitter opposition Lord Roberts p'-eached his crusade of compulsory military service with such effect that a great step forward was made, and at last the nation realises with thankful heart how far ahead this, great soldier saw, and how wise his advice to the country he loved and served so well has been. Though the end of this great Field-Marshal came in war-time and at the front, it was not at the hands of the enemy. Lord Roberts had the deepest regard for the Indian army, with whom he was for many years in closest contact, and it was in the desire to greet these warriors of Hindustani in France that the aged ex. soldier took his journey. A chill resulted in pneumonia, and thus the end came.