George White and the Victorian Army in India and Africa : Serving the Empire

This book offers a detailed investigation of George S. White’s career in the British Army. It explores late Victorian military conflicts, British power dynamics in Africa and Asia, civil-military relations on the fringes of the empire, and networks of advancement in the army. White served in the Indian Rebellion and, twenty years later, the Second Anglo-Afghan War, where he earned the Victoria Cross. After serving in the Sudan campaign, White returned to India and held commands during the conquest and pacification of Upper Burma and the extension of British control over Balochistan, and, as Commander-in-Chief, sent expeditions to the North-West Frontier and oversaw major military reforms. Just before the start of the South African War, White was given the command of the Natal Field Force. This force was besieged in Ladysmith for 118 days. Relieved in 1900, White was heralded as the “Defender of Ladysmith.” He was made Field-Marshal in 1903. Front Matter ....Pages i-ix Introduction (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 1-14 The Start of a Military Career (1853–1878) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 15-39 Recognition in Afghanistan (1878–1884) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 41-69 The Making of a General: War and the Occupation of Upper Burma (1885–1889) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 71-102 On the Edge of Empire: Baluchistan (1889–1892) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 103-128 Commander-in-Chief, India: Administrator (1893–1898) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 129-158 Commander-in-Chief, India: Campaigns (1893–1898) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 159-191 The Outbreak of the South African War (1899) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 193-222 The Defender of Ladysmith (1899–1900) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 223-258 Ending a Career on the Rock (1900–1912) (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 259-284 Conclusion (Stephen M. Miller)....Pages 285-289 Back Matter ....Pages 291-323