29 JUNE 1912, Page 19

Field-Marshal Sir George White, who died on Monday within a

few days of completing his 77th year, will be best remembered as the defender of Ladysmith ; but he was a very noble-hearted gentleman as well as a gallant soldier. His record of active service extended hack to the Mutiny ; he greatly distinguished himself in the Afghan War of 1878.80, in which he practically won the Victoria Cross twice over, served in the Nile Expedition of 1884, was promoted Major.: General for his services as commander of a brigade in Burmali in 1885.6, succeeded Lord Roberts as Commander-in-Chief in India from 1893 to 1898, and was appointed to command the troops in Natal in 1899. His concentration at Ladysmith, though adversely criticised, was in the main justified by events, and in the trying circumstances in which he was placed he bore himself with chivalrous and uncomplaining fortitude. After the war Sir George White held the Governor- ship of Gibraltar, and from 1904 till his death was Governor a Chelsea Hospital.