Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts (1832-1914), Field Marshal

Sitter in 69 portraits
Roberts was born in India and served much of his military career there. He rose to Major-General during the Afghan war, 1878-80, and Commander-in-Chief in India, 1885-93. He enjoyed enormous popularity at home, which was much enhanced by his decisive command in the Second Boer War, 1900. He returned to England on being appointed Commander-in-Chief of the British army, 1900-04, but found himself in disagreement with government defence policy. He spent his remaining years warning against the German threat and arguing the case for national service.