FIELD-MARSHAL ROBERTSON.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 February 1933, Page 6

FIELD-MARSHAL ROBERTSON.

The death of Field-Marshal Sir William Robertson this week has brought to a close one of the most picturesque careers in the British Army. Sir William rose from the ranks in the years when such a feat was a much more formidable undertaking than it has been since the South African war first broke up the rigidity of English army methods. Sir William Robertson served eleven years in .the ranks, his army days beginning as long ago as 1877, when he Was stationed in India. His ability was outstanding, and he was given commissioned rank as a reward for considerable skill in intelligence work on the turbulent north-western frontier of India. His chance came when the Chitral Relief campaign saw him principal Intelligence Officer, arid though he was wounded nearly to death his career was assured from the success of that undertaking. From a position in the Intelligence Branch of the War Office he was sent with high rank to South. Africa in 1900, and he gave Lord Kitchener considerable assistance in clearing up. weaknesses ’of organisation in the British Forces there. He saw active service in the Great War, but will be remembered by many for the sturdy manner in which he refused to let political exigencies interfere with what he considered were the legitimate demands of military needs. It took courage to stand up to Mr. Lloyd George at the summit of his power as the Prime Minister who was leading England to victory, but though Robertson risked- his own career he did not hesitate,' and in the long run he was rewarded by the credit and honours he had earned. .The stories of his life and career are almost those of a “Ouida” novel. Times and circumstances have made their repetition in similar forms almost impossible, but as an example of pluck, determination, and preparation to rise superior to circumstance the career of Sir William Robertson is worth more than a passing study.