Full Name: John Denton Pinkstone French, 1st Earl of Ypres
Profession: WWI Field Marshal
Biography: John French was a British Army officer that served in the Second Boer War, as a result of which he became a national hero after winning several difficult battles. He would go on to command the British Expeditionary Force during the first half of World War I.
French subsequently commanded the Home Forces from 1916 to 1918, in which period he recommended that the British side cease their offensives until the American Expeditionary Force was present. His policy was guided by the shortage of manpower for the British army.
After the First World War, French served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He served in this role for most of the Irish War of Independence (1919-1922).
Born: September 28, 1852
Birthplace: Ripple, Kent, England, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Libra
Historical Events
- 1900-02-15 Boer War: Siege of Kimberley broken by British troops under Lieutenant-General John French after a 124 day siege. Kimberley defense led by Cecil Rhodes.
- 1914-07-30 John French appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force
- 1914-08-14 British Expeditionary Force led by Field Marshal John French and General Henry Wilson lands in France
- 1914-08-28 World War I: British General John French orders civilian evacuation of Amiens, France as German forces push in from Belgium
Archduke Charles
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