Francis Grenfell, 1st Baron Grenfell

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Field Marshal Francis Wallace Grenfell, 1st Baron Grenfell, GCB, GCMG, PC (Ire) (1841–1925) was a senior British Army officer who fought in several major campaigns and later held top commands in Egypt, Malta and Ireland.

Born in Swansea, Wales, on 29 April 1841, Grenfell was the fourth son of Pascoe Grenfell. He left school early and bought a commission in 1859. He rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1863 and a captain in 1871. He served in South Africa as aide-de-camp to the Commander-in-Chief and fought in the 9th Xhosa War (including Quintana) and the Anglo-Zulu War (including Ulundi). He was promoted to brevet major in 1878 and brevet lieutenant-colonel in 1879.

In 1882 he fought at Tel el-Kebir during the Anglo-Egyptian War and later became Deputy Sirdar, then Sirdar (Commander-in-Chief) of the Egyptian Army in 1885. He led Egyptian troops at the Ginnis battle in 1885, was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1886, and to major-general in 1889 after campaigns at Suakin and Toski during the Mahdist War. For his leadership in Egypt he was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1892.

Back in Britain, Grenfell held War Office posts and then returned to Egypt as commander of the British troops in 1897. He was promoted to lieutenant-general in 1898 and became Governor of Malta in 1899. In 1902 he was created Baron Grenfell. He then commanded the new 4th Army Corps from 1903, was promoted to full general in 1904, and became Commander-in-Chief, Ireland. He retired in 1908 as a field marshal.

Beyond the battlefield, Grenfell served as colonel of several regiments, led the Church Lads' Brigade, and helped found the Pilgrims Society. He married Evelyn Wood in 1887 (they had no children); after her death he married Margaret Majendie in 1903, with two sons and a daughter.

He died on 27 January 1925 in Windlesham, Surrey, aged 83, and was buried at Beaconsfield. Grenfell’s legacy includes Grenfell Road in London, and Grenfell Tower (built in 1974). He received numerous honours and foreign orders during his distinguished career.