Edmund Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby

NAME: Edmund Henry Hynman Allenby, 1st Viscount Allenby

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Leading the British victory in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign during World War I, capturing Jerusalem and driving the Ottomans out of the region.

BIRTH: April 23, 1861, Brackenhurst Hall, Nottinghamshire, England

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Allenby came from a military family. His father, Lieutenant Colonel Hynman Allenby, served in the Royal Engineers, and his mother was Catherine Anne Allenby.

CHILDHOOD: Allenby spent his early years in Nottinghamshire, England, enjoying the rural surroundings and developing an early interest in military matters. He enjoyed activities like horse riding and hunting.

EDUCATION: Attended Haileybury College, a private school in Hertfordshire, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst,. His military training laid the foundation for his future achievements.

CAREER RECORD: 1882: Commissioned into the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons.

1884-85: Served in the Bechuanaland Expedition.

1888: Served in Zululand.

1899-1902: Served in the Second Boer War, earning a reputation for his cavalry leadership.

1910-1914: Inspector General of Cavalry in the British Army.

1914-1917: Served in various command positions on the Western Front in World War I, including the Cavalry Corps and the 3rd Army.

1917-1918: Commanded the Egyptian Expeditionary Force (EEF) in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign, achieving significant victories over Ottoman forces.

1919-1925: Served as the High Commissioner for Egypt, overseeing a turbulent period in the country's history.

APPEARANCE: Described as tall and imposing, with a strong jawline and a serious expression. Allenby was known for his imposing presence and a distinctive mustache.

Field Marshal Viscount Allenby

FASHION: In his military career, Allenby was recognized for his elegant uniforms, displaying the prestige and authority befitting his rank. 

He wore the standard uniform of a British Field Marshal, including tailored dress and military medals.

CHARACTER: Known for his determination, discipline, and strong leadership qualities. He could also be short-tempered and have a strict demeanor.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Described as possessing a dry sense of humor, which he rarely displayed in public.

RELATIONSHIPS: Married Dorothy Violet Heber-Percy in 1896, and they had one son, Horace Michael Hynman Allenby.

MONEY AND FAME: Due to his military achievements, Allenby was awarded numerous honors and titles, including Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB), Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG), Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), and Knight of the Order of Saint John (KStJ). He was also elevated to the peerage as Viscount Allenby of Megiddo in 1919.

FOOD AND DRINK: His tastes were typical of the Victorian era, favoring traditional British cuisine.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Allenby was not particularly known for his involvement in the arts but appreciated classical music.

LITERATURE: He had an interest in military history and literature, often engaging with books on strategy and tactics.

NATURE: Growing up in a rural environment, Allenby had an appreciation for nature and outdoor activities.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Enjoyed horse riding and hunting in his younger years. His love of horseback riding was a skill that served him well in his military career.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: While not prominently known for scientific or mathematical pursuits, Allenby's military strategy showcased a practical understanding of these fields.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: His strong sense of duty and discipline were influenced by a Victorian ethos and a Protestant upbringing.

In 1917, following Edmund Allenby's recapture of Jerusalem from the Ottoman Empire, the Balfour Declaration was issued. This significant declaration, signed by British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour on November 2, 1917, pledged British support for the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine. In 1922, the United Nations officially recognized the Balfour Declaration and granted Great Britain a mandate to administer Palestine, with the responsibility of overseeing the interests of both its Arab and Jewish populations.

SCANDAL: No major scandals are associated with his name.

MILITARY RECORD: Distinguished military career spanning several decades, culminating in his successful leadership during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.

In 1918, Allenby led the Jordan Valley operations and launched the final offensive against the Turks at the Battle of Megiddo (September 19-25) which destroyed the last Turkish armies in Palestine and secured an armistice in October ending World War I in the Middle East.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Maintained a healthy and active lifestyle, remaining physically fit throughout his career.

HOMES: His primary residence was Brackenhurst, but his military career had him stationed in various locations.

TRAVEL:  Military service took Allenby to different parts of the world, including the Middle East during World War I.

DEATH: Died on May 14, 1936, in London, England, at the age of 75.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Featured in several documentaries and books focused on the history of World War I and the Middle East.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Leading the capture of Jerusalem and the Ottoman defeat in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign during World War I.

Playing a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the Middle East following the war.

Earning numerous honors and recognitions for his military service.

While information on certain aspects like personal life and interests may be limited, Edmund Allenby's legacy is primarily defined by his military achievements and their impact on the course of history.