Sir John French
Saturday 18th December 1915: News from the Front today is all of
the resignation of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force,
Field Marshal Sir John French. This officer has led the BEF since the beginning
of the war following distinguished service in the Sudan in 1884-1885 and in the
Second Boer War. He has been replaced by General Sir Douglas Haig, commander of
1st Army(1). Sir John has released the following statement:
"In
relinquishing the Command of the British Army in France I wish to express to
the Officers, NCOs and Men, with whom I have been so closely associated during
the last sixteen months my heartfelt sorrow in parting with them before the
campaign in which we have been so long engaged together, has been brought to a
victorious conclusion. I have however, the firmest conviction that such a
glorious ending to their splendid and heroic efforts is not far distant, and I
shall watch their progress towards this final goal with intense interest, but
in the most confident hope. The success so far attained has been due to the
indomitable spirit, dogged tenacity which knows no defeat, and the heroic
courage so abundantly displayed by the rank and file of the splendid Army which
it will ever remain the pride and glory of my life to have commanded during
over sixteen months of incessant fighting. Regulars and Territorials, Old Army and
New Army have ever shown these magnificent qualities in equal degree. From my
heart I thank them. At this sad moment of parting my heart goes out to those
who have received lifelong injury from wounds and think with sorrow of that
great and glorious host of my beloved comrades who have made the greatest
sacrifice of all by laying down their lives for their Country. In saying
good-bye to the British Army in France I ask them once again to accept this
expression of my deepest gratitude and heart-felt devotion towards them and my
earnest good wishes for the glorious future which I feel to be achieved”.
Source: X550/3/wd
(1) French
seems to have been effectively outmanoeuvred by the ambitious Haig, who had
influence at court, into resigning. He was given a peerage as Viscount (later
Earl) French of Ypres and made Commander-in-Chief Home Forces
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