This army, like
other well-intentioned but poorly organized troops of the French, was
driven steadily back by the superior German forces, until the enemy
bombarded and captured Paris.
It is interesting to note that Kitchener's first and last military
service was on behalf of the French against their hereditary
enemies--and that history came dangerously near to repeating itself in
the German drive of 1914 against Paris. That it did not do so, was due
in no small measure to the grim veteran who was now Secretary of War,
and to his wonderful army of volunteers, dubbed "Kitchener's Mob."
Whether or not Kitchener did any actual close-up fighting in these
early days we do not know. One novel experience, however, is placed to
his credit. He made an ascent in an observation balloon, with two
French officers. In those days, the big bags were risky and unknown
quantities, and an ascent was something to talk about.
The ill-starred war over, young Kitchener returned to Woolwich, and his
school duties as though nothing special had happened.
"Why did you go off and join the French army?" he was asked by the
commandant.
"Please, sir," came the straightforward answer, "I understood that I
should not be wanted for some time, and I could not be idle. I thought
I might learn something.
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