Kitchener: when did he arrive back from Egypt in 1914?

[Moriaty]

Two questions about Lord Kitchener in 1914.

When was he appointed the Secretary of State for War?

When did he arrive back in London from Egypt where he was the British Agent and Consul General based in Cairo?

Moriaty

[RussT]

According to the book by Peter Simkins "Kitchener's Army - The Raising of the New Armies 1914-1916, Kitchener ....

.... happened to be in England on leave (before war broke out) - I can't find when his leave in England started

....... was recalled from Dover on 3rd August (he was getting ready to return to Egypt)

..... was finally persuaded to accept the post on 5th August....(as Sec State for war)

Russ

[Philip Wilson]

Answer to question 2.

Kitchener met Asquith on 4.8.1914 and argued he could only accept the post of Secretary of State for War providing he was freed of parliamentary duties and could be allowed to return to Egypt after the war. Asquith agreed the appointment which was announced on the following day, as reported in The Times on the 6.8.1914.

Partial answer to question 1 - he left Alexandria for Marseilles on 19.6.1914 on routé for London - see The Kitchener Enigma by Trevor Royle

[Moriaty]

Many thanks to Russ and Philip, I hadnt been able to work out the timings for Kitchener to be announced as Secretary of State for war on 6 August 1914. Some sources appear to indicate that he was recalled from Egypt at the outbreak of war.

Very interesting that Kitchener wished to return to Egypt after the war

Moriaty