Of the Territorials Sir John French says
"I, and the principal Commanders serving under me, consider that the Territorial Force has far more than justified the most sanguine hopes that any of us ventured to entertain of their value and use in the field. Commanders of Cavalry Divisions are un- stinted in their praise of the manner in which the Yeomanry regiments attached to their brigades have done their duty, both in and out of action. The service of Divisional Cavalry is now almost entirely performed by Yeomanry, and Divisional Com- manders report that they are very efficient. Army Corps Com- manders are loud in their praise of the Territorial battalions which form part of nearly all the brigades at the front in the first line, and more than one of them have told me that these battalions are fast approaching—if they have not already reached—the standard of efficiency of Regular Infantry."
This is good hearing—the most reassuring fact in the whole despatch, we think. For if the Territorials are doing thus splendidly, we may confidently expect great things from the carefully drilled, very intelligent, and very enthusiastic New Armies which will take up the running before long. We may add that Lord Midleton, to whom we owe the Yeomanry, should feel proud. The praise of that arm allows how well he laid the foundation of this great body of Territorial cavalry. Sir John French regrets that circumstances have prevented the public from being informed of "many splendid instances of courage and endurance in the face of almost unparalleled hardship."
Previous page
