Page 30 - They Also Served

Warren was elevated to GCMG and posted to Egypt but was recalled soon after to become the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Although the commissioner had traditionally been a senior military officer, Warren’s surprise selection may have been influenced by his supposed ‘detective’ work in bringing Palmer’s killers to justice. Warren’s two years in command were not a great success. He was lampooned in the press for his emphasis on drill and turnout, including providing proper boots for beat constables for the first time (they walked on average 20 miles a day).
While the rank and file might have resented the drill, his superintendents appreciated the reforms he brought to a force that had been in the doldrums. However, it was his failure to bring the serial killer known as Jack the Ripper to justice that he is chiefly remembered for. He resigned in 1888 but was, nevertheless, appointed KCB.
Returning to his military career, he commanded the garrison in Singapore, then Thames District, before being promoted to lieutenant-general and placed on the reserve list. Warren was unexpectedly recalled in 1899 and given command of the 5th Division in the South African War. His failure to relieve Ladysmith and his command of troops at the disastrous Battle of Spion Kop led to him being dubbed a ‘duffer’ by the force commander, Sir Redvers Buller, and the worst general of the war by several authors. Recalled to England, he was, nevertheless, promoted to general in 1904 before his final appointment of colonel-commandant, Royal Engineers. During a long and active retirement, he was one of the founders of the Boy Scout movement and died on 21st January 1927. In various Jack the Ripper films, he was portrayed by a host of well-known actors, including Anthony Quayle, Ian Richardson and Hugh Fraser.
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