Four Leading English Generals of World Wars One and Two

Henry Rawlinson

Born in Westminster, London, Rawlinson began his military career in the British Army in the late 19th century, serving in campaigns such as the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the Sudan Campaign. These early experiences gave him a deep understanding of battlefield logistics, infantry coordination, and the emerging use of artillery, shaping the strategic mindset he would bring to World War I. By the outbreak of the Great War, Rawlinson had risen through the ranks to high command. He played a major role in several key battles, including the Battle of the Somme (1916) and the Battle of Amiens (1918) — a decisive Allied victory that marked the start of the Hundred Days Offensive. He was known for adapting to new tactics, including more effective use of tanks and artillery. Rawlinson had just returned to command the Fourth Army in July 1918, giving him time to reorganize, plan, and prepare his forces for the upcoming offensive. On 8 August 1918, the Fourth Army launched the Battle of Amiens, beginning the Hundred Days Offensive. The Fourth Army’s recent series of successful limited battles, the most recent at Le Hamel only ten days earlier, revealed improved tactics for modern warfare. Rawlinson's forces achieved notable success in breaking through the German line between St. Quentin and Cambrai later that month. Initial planning was by John Monash, the Australian Jewish commander, but Rawlinson broadened the front and gave him more tanks. The Allied attack was preceded by a massive artillery bombardment. Success was most striking in the centre, where the English 46th (North Midland) Division crossed the St Quentin Canal and stormed trenches beyond, advancing up to 3 miles (4.8 km) and taking over 5,300 prisoners. "The assault across the canal met all of its objectives, on schedule, at a cost of somewhat fewer than 800 casualties to the division. The great success of the day had come where many had least expected it. The 46th Division assault was considered to be one of the outstanding feats of arms of the war." Historian Charles Bean described the attack as an "extraordinarily difficult task" and "a wonderful achievement" in his official Australian war history. Monash wrote that it was "an astonishing success...[which] materially assisted me in the situation in which I was placed later on the same day."

After the war, Rawlinson was appointed as Commander-in-Chief in India (1920–1925), a post carrying both military and administrative responsibilities, overseeing British forces and contributing to imperial administration.

Edmund Allenby

Born in Brackenhurst, Nottinghamshire, Allenby began his military career in the British Army with early service in campaigns such as the Mahdist War in Sudan and the Second Boer War. These formative experiences gave him a deep understanding of mobility, logistics, and the coordination of infantry and cavalry under challenging conditions. By the outbreak of World War I, Allenby had risen to the rank of Lieutenant-General and served in various staff and field commands. In 1917, he took command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) in Palestine, tasked with defeating Ottoman forces and securing the Middle East. He became renowned for his expertise in combined arms operations, effectively integrating infantry, cavalry, artillery, tanks, and aircraft to achieve decisive results. On 7 December 1917, after careful planning and maneuvering, Allenby entered Jerusalem, a major symbolic and strategic victory for the Allies. The pinnacle of his campaign came at the Battle of Megiddo (19–25 September 1918), where his coordination of forces overwhelmed the Ottoman lines, allowing rapid advances that culminated in the capture of Damascus and the collapse of Ottoman control in the region.

After the war, Allenby transitioned to political and administrative roles, becoming High Commissioner of Egypt and Sudan from 1919 to 1925. In this post, he oversaw British policy and governance, navigating the challenges of the Egyptian Revolution of 1919, while applying his military discipline and organizational skills to administration. 

Archibald Percival Wavell

Born in Colchester, Essex, Wavell began his military career as a junior officer in the British Army, gaining early experience in regiments stationed across the British Empire. During World War I, he served on the Western Front in France and was wounded at Ypres in 1915, losing his left eye. After recovering, he held staff and operational roles in the Middle East and India, contributing to planning and logistics for the British forces. His experiences in WWI helped develop his strategic thinking and reputation as a capable and methodical commander, laying the foundation for his later high command.

Wavell’s later career came to prominence during World War II, when he became Commander-in-Chief in the Middle East (1939–1941). He achieved significant victories against the Italians in North Africa, including the capture of approximately 130,000 prisoners and driving Axis forces from Libya, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. However, his forces were later weakened after resources were diverted to Greece, enabling Rommel’s Afrika Korps to advance. Wavell’s military expertise was widely respected — Rommel himself kept a copy of Wavell’s book Generals and Generalship (1941) during the North African campaign. 

After the war, Wavell served as Viceroy of India (1943–1947), a major administrative role overseeing British India during a period of significant political transition.

William Slim

Born in Bishopston, Bristol, Slim his career in the British Indian Army, gaining early operational experience in the Mesopotamian Campaign during World War I. As a young officer, he learned leadership, logistics, and desert warfare under challenging conditions, experiences that shaped his tactical thinking and ability to command under pressure. While his prominence came later, his WWI service was crucial in providing the foundation for his later innovations in military strategy. During World War II, Slim became famous as the commander of the British 14th Army in Burma, where he defeated Japanese forces at Imphal and Kohima in 1944. He employed innovative jungle warfare tactics, including air supply for encircled units, guerrilla-style operations, and defensive “boxes” to maintain cohesion under siege. His leadership and adaptation to difficult terrain and conditions were critical to Allied success in Southeast Asia.

After the war, Slim served as Governor-General of Australia (1949–1953), a major administrative and ceremonial role, demonstrating his ability to combine military experience with governance.