IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 December 1915, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

FIGHTING GENERALS, WHO HAVE ADDED TO THEIR FAME. DISTINGUISHED SERVICES DURING THE. WAR. Sir Charles Monro, who was recently appointed to succeed Sir lan Hamilton, and now returns to France, was born in 1860, entered the army in 1879, became captain in 1880, major in 1808, and colonel in 1303. He was brigade-major, Gibraltar, 1898-0, and D.A.A.G., Guernsey, 1809. He was chief inspeotor and stall' officer at the School of Musketry, 1001-3. Sir Charles served during the operations on the north-western frontier of India, 1897-8, with the Malakand Field Force, and with the expedition Into the Mohmand country. He also saw service with the Tirah " Expeditionary Force, for which he received the medal with two clasps. Sir Charles likewise served on the staff in the South African war, 1899-1900, when he was mentioned in despatches, receiving at the same time the Queen's medal with three clasps and the brevet of lieutenant-colonel. He was made a C.B. in 1908, and was created a Knight Commander of the Order of the 'Bath last February "for services rendered in connection with operations in the field" during the present war. Sir Charles, who was on the general headquarters staff, was mentioned in despatches by Sir John French after the battle of the Aisne. He has made wonderful strides in his military reputation during the present campaign. NEW CHIEF OF IMPERIAL GENERAL STAFF.

Major-General Sir William Robertson, the new Chief of the Imperial General Staff, is a "ranker," his career having been most varied and remarkable. It is probably without equal in a European army since the rapid promotions, in the Republican and Imperial armies of France just after the revolution. He was born in 1300 in Lincolnshire, and enlisted as a trooper in the lflth Lancers at the age of 17. After five years' service as private and non-commissioned officer he was promoted to a second lieutenancy in the 3rd Dragoon Guards, which he joined in India. Here he took part in the picturesque cavalry concentration at Muridki Camp, near Lahore, in January, 1889, at which the late Duke of Clarence, elder brother of King George, reviewed 10 regiments of British and Indian cavalry. In 1801 Lieutenant Robertson acted as railway staff officer in the first Miranzai and Black Mountain expedition, in which he penetrated the tangled mountain region west of Kohat, in the Punjaub. Later he acted as intelligence officer on the headquarters staff of the Chitral relief force. Here Captain Robertson was severely wounded and was mentioned in despatches. Owing to his thoroughness in carrying out orders, as well as his facility with the various Indian dialects, he was repeatedly chosen for various duties at the headquarters of the Indian Army, until, in 1808, he successfully competed for entrance to the staff college. During tue South African war Captain Robertson was first employed at the War Office, and then in the field as deputy-asßistant-adjutant-general of the headquarters staff.. Since 1902 he has held various staff posts at army headquarters, the most important being commandant of the Staff College. In this capacity he was charged with the instruction of the future staff officers of the army, and on the outbreak of the war he became quar-ter-master-general of the army in the field.

SIR ARCHIBALD MURRAY'S WORK IN FRANCE. Sir Archibald Murray acted as chief of staff to Sir John French in the early stages of the war, and was mentioned in the latter's official despatch regarding the retreat from Mons for bis unceasing work, skill, and devotion to duty. He was again mentioned in despatches for the excellence of his services at the battle of the Aisne. He was created a K.C.M.G. in February last, and was invested with that Order by the King on April 19. His good work has also been srj«cially acknowledged by the French na 'fen. In March last he was invested by President Poincare with the title of "Grand Officer" of the Legion of Honor "in recognition of his distinguished services with the British Army in the field." General Sir Archibald Murray lias recently been acting as Chief of the General Staff at the War Office, with General Kiggell as his assistant. Major-General Whigham is an Ayrshire man. He served in the Nile expedition, 1898, and in South Africa, first as A.D.C. to Sir H. Macdonald. General Kiggell served in the South African war, and from 1909 to 1913 was Director of Staff Duties at the War Office.