General Sir Herbert Lawrence

[Robert Dunlop]

Subtitle: Haig's Chief of Staff. Author: Paul Harris. ISBN: 978-1-911628-87-3. Publisher: Helion and Company.

I had heard of General Sir Herbert Lawrence occasionally but knew nothing about him. Given his key role as Chief of General Staff in 1918, this book looked really interesting. Paul Harris has done a very good job with this biography, particularly given the relative dearth of personal information. I can appreciate the challenge that this deficit posed; it echoes the difficulties I have experienced in researching General Sir Claud Jacob for example. Harris provides details of Lawrence's family background, which was strongly associated with the British Raj in India. Lawrence's father, Sir John Lawrence, was Viceroy for India for example. The author then traces Lawrence through his schooling in Harrow and thence to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Lawrence joined the 17th Lancers in India. He then attended Staff College, Camberley, and achieved p.s.c (Passed Staff College). Lawrence's year included: Allenby, Capper, Edmonds, Haking, and Macdonogh. Haig started the year after Lawrence, so they overlapped in Staff College. Their paths crossed again when Haig and Lawrence served in South Africa. Both were on General French's staff. Lawrence then took temporary command of 16th Lancers in the field. He was mentioned twice in despatches.

In an interesting move, Lawrence left the army and began a career in finance. He maintained a military connection through his role as senior major of the volunteer King Edward's Horse regiment.

Harris then traces Lawrence's rise through the ranks after he rejoined the army as a 'dug-out' in 1914. Ultimately, Lawrence became Chief of Staff in 1918. He replaced Kiggell. Harris provides the context for this appointment and then analyses the impact. He examines the wider set of changes that occurred around the same time (Charteris leaving; replacement of Maxwell; etc) and describes how Lawrence played a central role in re-shaping GHQ's approach and relationships.

The book concludes with further details about Lawrence's life and career post-war. He left the army again and returned to the financial sector, rising to the accolade of 'Father of the [London] City'. This section of the book casts a retrospective light on how Lawrence achieved his success in the army, whilst illustrating how he succeeded in a second post-military career.

Several aspects of the biography rely on anecdotal memories of those who knew Lawrence and were interviewed after his death. Evidence of this nature has to be treated with great caution. Harris has exercised such caution, repeatedly drawing attention to the limitations. Overall, Harris has provided a very interesting perspective on one of the key men that served in GHQ. Well worth a read, especially if you are interested in this aspect of the war.

Robert

Edited 20 November , 2019 by Robert Dunlop

[Stuart24]

An interesting looking book, thanks for posting the review.

Does it have much in it on Lawrence's time in Egypt in 1916, and his command during the Battle of Romani?

Thanks

Stuart

 

[Robert Dunlop]

Stuart, there isn’t very much. Three and a half pages on the defence of the Suez Canal and two pages on Romani. Plus a couple of pages summarising the issues, with a focus throughout on the problems between Lawrence and Murray. 
Robert

[Stuart24]

Thanks Robert!