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Cyril John DeverellBritish military leader, field marshal
Date of Birth: 09.11.1874
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Service in India
- World War I
- Post-War Career
- Return to Britain and Senior Positions
- Chief of the Imperial General Staff
Early Life and Military Career
Charles John Deverell was born on the island of Guernsey in 1870. After attending public school in Bedford, he joined the British Army's East Yorkshire Regiment in 1895. He saw action in the Seventh Anglo-Ashanti War in 1896.
Service in India
In 1908, Deverell was deployed to British India, where he served in various capacities, including as an officer in the General Staff of the Indian Army. With the outbreak of World War I in 1914, he was appointed to command the 4th East Yorkshire Regiment.
World War I
During World War I, Deverell served on the Western Front, commanding the 20th Infantry Brigade in 1915 and the 3rd Infantry Division from 1916. He played a significant role in major battles such as the Somme, Arras, Passchendaele, the Lys, and the Hundred Days Offensive.
Post-War Career
Following the war, Deverell commanded the 53rd (Welsh) Division in the Territorial Army. In 1928, he returned to India as the Commander of the United District. He later held the positions of Quartermaster-General and Chief of the General Staff of the Indian Army.
Return to Britain and Senior Positions
In 1931, Deverell was transferred back to Britain and appointed Commander-in-Chief of Western Command. He subsequently held the position of Commander-in-Chief of Eastern Command and Adjutant-General to the King.
Chief of the Imperial General Staff
On May 15, 1936, Deverell was promoted to Field Marshal and appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff. However, his tenure was cut short after less than 20 months, and he was forced to resign. The reasons for his dismissal were later revealed in Bernard Montgomery's memoirs.
