He is intensely practical; and he is possessed of great moral and physical courage which never fail to assert themselves in the face of the most difficult situations. They were conspicuously shown during the Boer War when, with an extraordinary determination, he formed up his men on their tired and exhausted horses and advanced in extended order, galloping through the Boers in position, and reaching Kimberley as the result of his heroic determination. When, in the earlier part of this War, things were not going well, I was asked to give my opinion of our chances of success. I said that I did not think that our prospects were then bright, but although many men had gone "Hands up" before John French, he would never put up his own, whatever happened. EVELYN WOOD, F.-M. _November 10_, 1914. PREFACE In writing this biography of Field-Marshal Sir John French I have been deeply indebted to many of his personal friends for helping me with first-hand impressions of our General in the Field. A number of military writers have been almost equally helpful. Among those to whom I owe sincere thanks for personal assistance are Lady French, Mr. J.R.L. French, Mrs. Despard, Field-Marshal Earl Roberts, Field-Marshal Sir Evelyn Wood, General Bewicke Copley, Colonel E.K. Aylener, Colonel Kendal Coghill, Colonel Charles E. Warde, M.P., the Editor of the _Army and Navy Gazette_, Mr. Percy J. King, the Editor of the _Regiment_, Mr. Frederick W. Carter, Mr. Leonard Crocombe and Mr. S.R. Littlewood, who put valuable material at my disposal. I shall be very grateful for any further biographical particulars, stories, or corrections for incorporation in subsequent editions: all communications should be addressed to me, care of my publishers. C.C. _The outside wrapper is reproduced from a drawing by E. Oakdale, by courtesy of Mr. Holbrook Jackson, Editor of "T.P.'s Weekly_." CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION iii PREFACE v CHAPTER I EARLY DAYS A Kentish Celt--A Rebellious Boy--Four Years in the Navy--With the 19th Hussars--"Captain X Trees"--A Studious Subaltern--Chafing at Home--The First Opportunity 1 CHAPTER II WITH THE NILE EXPEDITION A Forlorn Hope--Scouting in the Desert--The Battle of Abu Klea--Metammeh--The Death of Gordon--A Dangerous Retreat--"Major French and His Thirteen Troopers" 10 CHAPTER III YEARS OF WAITING Second in Command--Maintaining the Barrow tradition--The Persistent Student--Service in India--Retires on Half-pay--Renewed Activities--Rehearsing for South Africa 23 CHAPTER IV ELANDSLAAGTE AND RIETFONTEIN