John French

ModernGeneralGreat Britain1852 — 1925

First BEF commander in WWI, replaced by Haig.

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Quick Facts

Born

1852

Died

1925

Country

Great Britain

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)40

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)43

Leadership (15%)51

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score44.5

John French — Complete Timeline

1914 AD

Battle of MonsWar◆ Major

French's BEF fought its first major engagement at the Battle of Mons. The British forces held off the German advance but were forced to retreat, beginning the 'Great Retreat' to the Marne.

World War IBattleRetreat

Impact: global

First Battle of YpresWar◆ Major

French commanded the BEF during the First Battle of Ypres, which halted the German advance in Flanders. The battle resulted in heavy casualties and the beginning of trench warfare.

World War IYpresTrench Warfare

Impact: globaltragic

Appointed Commander of the British Expeditionary ForcePolitical Action◆ Major

John French was appointed the first commander of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) at the outbreak of World War I. He led the BEF during the early battles of the war.

World War IBEFCommand

Impact: global

1915 AD

Replaced by Douglas HaigPolitical Action◆ Major

French was replaced as commander of the BEF by General Douglas Haig after the Battle of Loos. His leadership was criticized for poor communication and tactical failures.

World War IReplacementHaig

Impact: global