Field-Marshal Sir John French G.C.B.,
Commander of te Expeditionary Forces, 1914. Was born 28th September 1852. Naval cadet for 4 years. Entered Army 1874. Served in Soudan Campaign 1884-5. Commanded 18th Hussars 1889-1893. Appointed Major-General to command Cavalry Division in Natal 1899. Commanded left wing of Lord Roberts’ Forces 1900-1. General 1907. Inspector-General of the Forces 1907-11
Field-Marshal The Rt. Hon. Earl Kitchener,
The very serious conflict in which we are now engaged on the Continent has been none of our seeking. It will undoubtedly strain the resources of our Empire and entail considerable sacrifices on our people. These will be shared by willingly borne for our honour and the presevation on our position in the world, and will be shared by our Dominions beyond the seas, now sending contingents and assistance of every kind to help the Mother Country in this struggle.
Earl Kitchener in the House of Lords, August 25th 1911
Admiral Sir John Jellicoe
Message addressed by His Majesty the King to Admiral Sir John Jellicoe.
At this grave moment in our national history I send to you, and through you to the officers and men of the fleets of which you have assumed command, the assurance of my confidence that under your direction they will revive and renew the old glories of te Royal Navy, and prove once again the sure shield of Britain and of her Empire in the hour of trial. GEORGE R.I.
Field Marshal Earl Roberts of Kandahar.
Pretoria and Waterford. Commander of the Overseas Forces, 1914.
Was born at Cawnpore, India, 30th September 1832. He entered the Army in 1851 and as had a most distinguished military career, serving his King and country in every part of the world. Age and time have not been able to cool his ardour, and at 82 he takes a guiding hand in the greatest war in which England has ever been engaged.
The German Emperor
William II
William II, German Emperor and King of Prussia. Born January 27th 1859, succeeded to the throne June 15th 1888, married February 27th 1881 to Princess Auguste Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein, borne October 22nd 1858