“I feel sure I am right when I say that the less the Afghans see of us, the less they will dislike us.”

– “Bobs” of Kandahar, 1880: Field Marshal Earl Roberts of Kandahar
Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, Bt, VC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, PC (30 September 1832 – 14 November 1914) – no slouch when it came to matters, oriental. His wikipedia entry makes interesting reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Roberts,_1st_Earl_Roberts

Dear Mr Cameron, and Dr Fox,
The National Army Museum in Chelsea is holding an exhibition right now, “The Road to Kabul: British Armies in Afghanistan, 1839-1919. You were obviously fast asleep during your history lessons at school, and I recommend you catch up by attending this exhibition, while these things are still free…
CWJ

Unknown's avatar

Author: coldwaterjohn

CWJ travelled extensively with his family, having worked in eleven countries over thirty years. A keen photographer, holding a Private Pilot's Licence, he focuses mainly on landscape and aerial imagery. Having worked in the Middle East extensively he follows developments in that region with particular interest, and views with growing concern, the radicalisation flowing from Islamic fundamentalism, and the intolerance for opposing views, stemming from it.

9 thoughts on ““I feel sure I am right when I say that the less the Afghans see of us, the less they will dislike us.””

  1. A heck of a career.

    I of course knew of the Kimberley connection, we spent a weekend there just last year!

  3. I blame modern education – Social Studies has never been an adequate substitute for ‘proper’ subjects!

  4. He and his son are one of only three fathers and sons to have won the V.C.
    It is my privilege to know one of the last surviving Victoria Cross winners, who celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year, and who joins us for a Reunion luncheon every year, still walking the mile or so from the railway station…
    When a young whippersnapper colleague took over his position in the bank overseas on his retirement, our friend handed him three envelopes, with instruction to open Envelope #1 when he encountered his first serious loan problem, and ditto for the next two. In due course, problem loan came up, and envelope No 1 was opened. The note inside read, “Blame me”. Six monthly later, time for the second envelope – “Blame me”. By the time for opening the third envelope arrived, eighteen months after having taken over, he opened it, to read the message, “It’s time to write out three envelopes!”

  5. I’m sure that Roberts was a reasonably ok bloke. However I’m always deeply suspicious of people who appear in ‘Ruritanian’ garb.

  6. Jazz, When you have gathered a Baronetcy and an Earldom, a VC, KG, KP, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, and PC, and you are in full Field Marshal kit, you too would look a bit like an escaped Bandmaster from a circus. Incidentally I believe he was the last Field Marshal in the British Army, but I may be wrong, so you shouldn’t have to worry about seeing such splendour again.

  8. I notice that I should have written deeply suspicious. Perhaps the phantom editor can oblige once more.
    Done. 😎

Add your Comment