EARL HAIG.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 January 1920, Page 5

EARL HAIG.

HIS RETIREMENT REPORTED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright,' Received Jan. 2i), 3 p.m. London, Jan. 24. It is reported that Field-Marshal Earl Haig of Bemersyde is retiring next week.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

[The splendid part played by Earl Haig as leader of the British Forces in France from the retirement of Viscount French in 1915 to the end of the war is well known. A long and brilliant career in the Army provides a distinguished record for Earl Haig. He was born in 1861, and in 1885 he joined the 7th Hussars. He served in the Soudan in 1898, where lie was awarded, among other honors, the Khedive's medal with two clasps. On the outbreak of the South African War of 1899, he proceeded to the scene of hostilities, and was appointed G.S.O. to General French during the Colesberg operations. Throughout the campaign he served with distinguished success, being mentioned in despatches, and awarded, first, the Queen's medal (with seven clasps), and, later, the King's Medal. From 1901 to 1903 he was Lieut-Colonel commanding the 17th Lancers, after which he was sent out to India as Instructor-General of Cavalry. During the period 1806-9 he served, first, as Director of Military Training, and then as Director of Staff Duties at Army Headquarters. He again went out to India as Chief-of-Staff, returning again to England in 1912, to occupy the position of General Officer Commanding at Aldershot. It was while he was thus engaged that the Great War broke out, and »Sir Douglas Haig, as he then was, was appointed to the command of the First Army.]