South African War: Lord Roberts

FIELD MARSHAL LORD ROBERTS OF KANDAHAR.

“BOBS,-God bless him!” That familiar, almost vernacular ejaculation, represents far more clearly and accurately than would pages of cold-drawn type the feeling with which Lord Roberts of Kandahar is regarded by a very large section of his countrymen. There have been comparatively few great leaders who have been able to inspire throughout all ranks not only of their armies, but of the nations to which they have belonged, a feeling of genuine personal devotion, and “Bobs, God bless him,” is one of them. Physically speaking this dapper little red-faced gentleman can hardly be called impressive; oratorically he has nothing vibrant nor moving about him; professionally he has more than once laid himself open to charges of indulgence in rash and rather “feckless” tactics which might have involved a less lucky man in serious disaster. But if a man be wanted to lead men, whatever the difficulties and obstacles, to make a mixed army feel itself to be a single individual lump of willingness to follow its commander anywhere, and do anything for him-if, in a word, you want a truly popular great general, there is only one man in the world for the British soldier, and that is “Bobs, God bless him!”

Born in 1832, the son of the late General Sir Abraham Roberts, G.C.B., young Frederick Sleigh Roberts was educated at Eton and entered the old Bengal Artillery in 1851. When the Indian Mutiny broke out he was appointed to the Quarter-Master-General's Department, and soon became prominent as one of the most active and gallant young officers engaged in the campaign. At the siege and capture of Delhi, the Relief of Lucknow, the operations at Cawnpore, and the operations ending with the capture of Lucknow, the young staff officer repeatedly distinguished himself, winning the Victoria Cross twice over at Khudaganj on January 2nd, 1858. In 1863 he was present at the North-West Frontier Expedition which terminated in the capture of Umbeylah, and in 1868 he did excellent work as Assistant Quarter-Master-General in the Abyssinian Expedition. He served in the same capacity in the Looshai Expedition of 1871-2 and in 1875 became Quarter-Master-General of the Indian Army. At the outset of the Afghan War of 1878-80 Major-General Roberts was given command first of the Kuram Valley Field Force, next of the Kabul Field Force, and finally of the whole force that marched from Kabul to the relief of Kandahar. The story of Roberts's march and of the resulting battle is writ so large in our military annals that there is no need to give it more than passing allusion here. In 1881 Sir Frederick Roberts became Commander-in-Chief in Madras, and in 1885 he succeeded Sir Donald Stewart as Commander-in-Chief in India. In May, 1895, Lord Roberts was made a Field Marshal, and the following October was appointed to the command of the Forces in Ireland.

Such in the barest outline-which in such a case is all that is possible-is the career of this great fighting soldier previously to his taking up, in circumstances which are fresh in the public recollection, the Command-in-Chief of the Forces in South Africa. There are few more touching pages in our military history than that on which is now written the story of Lord Roberts's acceptance, at the age of 67, of this last great and onerous responsibility, while yet stricken with grief at the loss of his only son in the battle on the banks of the Tugela, on December 15, 1899. But we must not let either this inspiring incident, or the brilliant tale of Lord Roberts's triumphs in the field, obscure our view of another aspect of his life-work. As Commander-in-Chief in India Lord Roberts did much, the full effect of which will not be appreciated for some years to come, but which, none the less, will have an enduring effect upon our military efficiency and Imperial stability. He strengthened the Indian Frontier against the risk of invasion; he infused into the fighting native races an added loyalty and respect for the greatness of the English race ; and, by the establishment of a system of recreation rooms altogether in advance of anything hitherto existing, he conferred on the British soldier a benefit the value of which it is difficult to properly estimate. A thoughtful, tactful, energetic administrator, Lord Roberts has always used his popularity to the advantage not of himself but of those whom he has for the time being commanded. A distinguishing characteristic of his career is summed up by Kipling in the words “’E does not advertise,” and of really captivating modesty, coupled with a gloriously stirring record of splendid and variegated achievement, his published memoirs furnish, perhaps, the finest example that could possibly be quoted.

		Field Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar commanded the British forces in Afghanistan during Baden-Powell's service in 1881-1882. He was later to become the Commander-in-Chief in India (1885-1893), in the South African War (1899-1902) and, finally Commander-in-Chief of the British Army (1901-1904). For much of Baden-Powell's active military service, Lord Roberts was among the highest ranking and most respected officers of the British Army. He became known as "Kipling's General."
		In 1902, Commander Charles N. Robinson, R.N., edited and published Celebrities of the Army, a collection of portraits and short biographies of senior offices and major heroes of the South African War. These include Baden-Powell and several officers with whom he served in India and Africa both before and during the war. The portraits are quite elegant and are presented along with biographical information.
		It was at the Siege and Defense of Mafeking during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War that Baden-Powell made his name and first gained public recognition. 1999-1902 marks the Centennial of the War. Developed as part of that observance, Perspectives on the South African War provides a collection of links to original and contemporary sources on the South African War.
		Robert Baden-Powell, Founder of the World Scout Movement, Chief Scout of the World. A Home Page for the Founder. Links Relating to Baden-Powell on the Pine Tree Web and elsewhere.

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