Now It Can Be Told · Character

Sir Henry Rawlinson

A decorated general Gibbs calls one of the best, whose Somme drive cost prodigiously and whose late pursuit finally broke the enemy.

supporting

Also known as Gen. Sir Henry Rawlinson, Rawlinson, Harry, Henry

First appearance: I

As a supporting figure in Now It Can Be Told, Sir Henry Rawlinson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Commanding the Fourth Army, known for his optimism and jovial demeanor, but criticized for the high cost of the Somme battles.

In the storyXVIIIOpen this moment free

See Sir Henry Rawlinson in XVIII Book page

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Rawlinson is the general seen strolling buttercup fields with a joking aide while the men who will die learn to hate the staff. Gibbs grants him real quality—ribbons, a driving purpose, eventual triumph in open…

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See Sir Henry Rawlinson in I

Character Web

19 connections

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Other

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Key military and civilian figures
Protagonist
Miscellaneous characters, units, and references

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of anticipation a…

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In the story

Sir Henry Rawlinson appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XVIII
Commanding the Fourth Army, known for his optimism and jovial demeanor, but criticized for the high cost of the Somme battles.
XII
General Rawlinson is seen at his headquarters, taking tea and arguing with Lord Cavan over captured artillery, seemingly unbothered by losses.
The Great Push and the Tragedy of Sanctuary Wood
Mentioned as commander of the Army of Pursuit for the planned offensive.
I
Rawlinson had his headquarters of the Fourth Army in an old château near Querrieux.
X
Rawlinson is mentioned as arguing and persuading in favor of continued grand-scale assaults after the initial disaster on the left.
IV
Quoted saying 'Three shots to one, sir' to the King regarding artillery superiority.

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See Sir Henry Rawlinson in I

See Sir Henry Rawlinson in XVIII