The Daily News. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1915. SIR JOHN FRENCH'S RETIREMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1915. SIR JOHN FRENCH'S RETIREMENT.

The news of Field-Marshal Sir John French's retirement from the command of the Imperial forces in France comes as a great surprise. He lias been so prominnently identified with our military operations on the West front, and such implicit confidence has been placed in his generalship in blocking the German advance 011 Paris, that throughout the Empire there will bo felt keen regret at his returning home to assume the post of Commander-in-Chief of the troops stationed in England. The transfer, however, was riot brought about by the Government, but at Sir John's own desire, and that his splendid services are appreciated by the King and at Headquarters is evident from the fact that ho lias received a peerage, while the Government is full of gratitude for the manner in which lie lias performed his onerous duties in the face of such a powerful enemy as lie has had to cope with. The people of the Empire have every reason to feel proud of sucli soldiers as Sir John French, and his name will go down in history as one of the foremost generals and strategists of the day. It is somewhat curious that this brilliant oj(licer should have commenced his career in the Navy, where he had four years experience be* fore entering the Hussars, and as a cavalry officer he rapidly gained distinction and promotion, his work in the Soudan and South Airica proving that he was in every way,fitted for the supreme command of military forces. He had an unbroken series of successes, and it wis with the utmost satisfaction that his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in the war was received. His name and fame have become household words throughout the Empire and lie in every way deserved the respect, esteem, and confidence that have been so fully extended to him. It is probable that the intense strain ,of the prolonged warfare has sorely tried Sir. John 'French, and that, he feels the need of a change of scene and action. No one should misjudge the action of this national hero in the course he has taken, and there should be a general, as \ve!l as a generou3, recognition of the immense value of his services. At the a:>c of sixty-three years, for the most part spent in arduous military duties, it is only to be expected that his vigor has somewhat abated, although there has been 110 sign of any falling-off >'n those mature powers and consummate generalship. that have proved so effectual in the. command he has just relinquished, 111 his. new position he will have full scope for the exercise of those qualities which have won for hint undying fame, and that his future £sre?r sill be. as lull oi honor *« his

past should be the wish of all Englishmen throughout the world. His successor, General Sir Douglas Haig, is also a brilliant cavalryman and commander who has seen considerable service in the Soudan, South Africa, India, and latterly in France where he commanded one of the Expeditionary Forces. He has also served as Director of Military Training, Director of Stall' Duties at Headquarters, and Chief of the Staff in India, and he is only fiftyfour years of age. Every confidence may he placed in him to worthily carry 011 Sir John French's work to a successful issue, The supreme test has still to eorae, yet there need be no fear that Sir Douglas Haig will not lie equal to the occasion. The appointment is certainly one of the best that could he made, and we look forward to the future to justify it in every way.