George Arthur French facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir George Arthur French
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Colonel George Arthur French, 1883
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| Born | 19 June 1841 Roscommon, Ireland |
| Died | 7 July 1921 (aged 80) Kensington, England |
| Buried |
Brompton Cemetery, London
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1860–1902 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | Commandant of the New South Wales Military Forces (1896-02) Commandant of the Queensland Defence Force (1883–91) Commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police (1873–76) |
| Battles/wars | Red River Rebellion North-West Frontier |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George |
Sir George Arthur French was an important Irish soldier. He served as an officer in the British Army and became famous for being the very first leader of the North-West Mounted Police in Canada. He also led military forces in Australia.
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Who Was Sir George French?
Sir George Arthur French was born on June 19, 1841, in Roscommon, Ireland. He went to special military schools, including the Royal Military College, Sandhurst and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. After his training, he joined the Royal Artillery in 1860.
A New Role in Canada
In 1871, the Canadian government asked for his help. George French was sent to Canada to work as a military inspector. He later became the head of the School of Gunnery in Kingston, Ontario, where soldiers learned how to use cannons.
Leading the Mounties
In 1873, George French was chosen for a very important job: to create and lead the new North-West Mounted Police. This group would later become the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The next year, in 1874, he led the force on a long and famous journey across the Canadian prairies to the Rockies. This march helped establish law and order in new parts of Canada.
Return to the British Army
George French left his role with the Mounted Police in 1876 and went back to serve in the British Army. He continued to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a Major General. He used his skills in organizing military groups to help set up local defence forces in India and Australia.
Leading Forces in Australia
In September 1883, he was appointed to lead the Queensland Local Forces in Australia. He arrived there in January 1884. Colonel French retired from this role in 1891 and returned to England. However, he came back to Australia in 1896 to lead the military forces in New South Wales until 1902.
Later Life and Honors
Sir George French retired from the army on September 3, 1902. For his important work, he was honored as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). King Edward VII personally gave him this award at Buckingham Palace in London.
After his retirement, he spent many years helping to guard the crown jewels in London. Sir George Arthur French passed away in 1921.
