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From Private to Field-Marshal: The Autobiography of the First British Private Soldier to Rise to the Highest Rank Hardcover – 24 Aug. 2012

by William Robertson (Author)
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It is a common aspect of uncommon men that their lives are so exceptional that they cannot be adequately described in a few words. So much the better then that the author of this autobiography left posterity his remarkable life story. William 'Wully' Robertson was born in Lincolnshire in 1860 and became a servant in the household of the Earl of Cardigan. In 1877 he decided upon a military career and enlisted as a trooper in the 16th (The Queen's) Lancers. He proved to be an outstanding soldier and encouraged by friends and especially the officers of his regiment, Robertson earned a commission in 1888. This was an incredible achievement at the time since only four or five 'rankers' were so promoted annually. Robertson transferred to the 3rd Dragoon Guards. Having no private means Robertson struggled to maintain the lifestyle of a Victorian cavalry officer and had to work hard to generate extra income. A posting to India gave him the opportunity to do so through proficiency in languages. By 1895 he was a captain serving in the Chitral Campaign and in 1998 attended the staff college at Camberley-the first 'ranker' to go there. The Boer War saw further promotion and during the First World War-after service in the B. E. F.-Robertson rose to become Chief of the Imperial Staff being appointed to full general in 1916. He became a baronet in 1919 and field-marshal in 1920-the first man who joined the British Army at its lowest rank and by his own abilities achieved its highest rank. This is nothing less than a fascinating account, touching as it does on many aspects of military life as well as minor campaigns and major conflicts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Recommended.
Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    LEONAUR
  4. Publication date
    24 Aug. 2012
  5. Dimensions
    13.97 x 2.39 x 21.59 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0857069209
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0857069207
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ LEONAUR (24 Aug. 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0857069209
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0857069207
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.97 x 2.39 x 21.59 cm
  • Customer reviews:

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
15 global ratings

Top reviews from United Kingdom

Once a pilot
5.0 out of 5 stars From village boy to Field Marshal
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 February 2024
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Brilliant autobiography by an iconic figure, only man to serve in every rank from private to FM. A fascinating story highly recommended.
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JJ
4.0 out of 5 stars Why it’s not 5 stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 June 2021
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This review relates to the Kindle edition. While I agree with all the comments about this book being an excellent and informative account of Robertson’s military career, the ebook is stuffed full of hilarious spelling mistakes. Clearly the editor had no idea of WW1 history.
The great Allied leaders are referred to throughout as Hag (British), Jeffrey and Neville (French), Brushoff (Russian) and Van Dew Enter (South Africa). As for Admiral Bellicose, words fail me!
Numerous references are made to the siege at Nut-el-Amara, and the battles of Anise and Cambric.
Really, a book this good deserves better.
One person found this helpful
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Marie-Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars OFFICER AND GENTLEMAN.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2018
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Incredible story from little recognised officer and gentleman from a Lincolnshire village. His rise to Field Marshall, rapidly through the ranks from being a young boy with great ambition, defied all odds and became a friend of the officers and lower ranks with his avid determination to see fair play in a much needed and desperate theatre of war, both on the home front and in the trenches of WW1. He recognised the needs of the troops and their interminable suffering when supplies were not forthcoming, pushed to the edge of sanity every second of a war that was dismally mismanaged. Sir William Robertson deserved every accolade given and so much more should be broadcast about him. I am pleased to see his legacy lives on in an excellent school, the Sir William Robertson Academy.
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Philip Newbould
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 September 2016
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The story of a remarkable man.
One person found this helpful
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d j woodcock
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 October 2014
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Very interesting
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Alexander BROCKLEHURST
5.0 out of 5 stars Eyeopening.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 November 2019
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An excellent book. A whole new view of the miltary and it's warnings prior to WW1. A view l have never seen and it explains why some battles like the Somme HAD to be fought.👍
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