Born in Ireland, Kitchener was Sirdar (British Commander in Chief) of the Egyptian Army. He defeated the Mahdist rebels against Egyptian rule in 1898 and conquered the Sudan for Britain and (nominally) Egypt.
He was chief of staff during the Boer War of 1899 to 1902. From 1899 to 1900, he was also commander-in-chief of the forces in southern Africa. He was allowed into many orders of chivalry, both British and foreign, including Knight of St. Patrick and Knight of the Garter.[2]