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In short, George V is killed in an accidental fall from a horse while inspecting troops of Haig's First Army in the aftermath of the Battle of Loos, leaving his young son to accede to the throne. So what can we expect of this thrusting nineteen year-old? Is he the sort to back army types such as Haig and Kitchener, or more easily moulded to the desires of the nearest politician?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VIII_of_the_United_Kingdom#Military_career

When the First World War (1914–18) broke out, Edward had reached the minimum age for active service and was keen to participate.[11] He had joined the army, serving with the Grenadier Guards, in June 1914, and although Edward was willing to serve on the front lines, the Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener, refused to allow it, citing the immense harm that would occur if the heir to the throne were captured.[12]

Despite this, Edward witnessed trench warfare firsthand and attempted to visit the front line as often as he could, for which he was awarded the Military Cross in 1916. His role in the war, although limited, led to his great popularity among veterans of the conflict.[13] As of 1911 he was also a Midshipman in the Royal Navy, making Lieutenant in 1913. Edward undertook his first military flight in 1918 and later gained his pilot's licence.[14] On his succession he became Admiral of the Fleet in the Navy, Field Marshal in the Army, and Marshal of the Royal Air Force.[15]


Ed. G. Sheffield and J. Bourne, p.167, Douglas Haig, War Diaries and Letters 1914-1918, 2005

Thursday 28 October

During an inspection of First Army by the King, His Majesty was thrown from his horse. Haig was considerably discomfited by this.

It was a most unfortunate accident. We were within 50 yards of the place at which he [the King] was to dismount and look round the airoplanes (sic) [on foot, and come to Hinges for lunch with me.] The mare was so quiet all through the day, too, but the waving caps and the sudden cheering would have upset any horse from such a distance...
A very wet afternoon. About 5pm a telephone message was received from Sir Derek Keppel to say that the consultation of surgeons is that the King has no bones broken, but is to remain in bed for a day or two to recover from the stiffness and bruises. He was also desired by the King to say that His Majesty knew very well that the mare had never done such a thing before, and that I was not to feel perturbed at what had happened, (or words to that effect).

In context, this is the aftermath of Loos but before French's resignation and replacement by Haig (December IOTL). Kitchener is about to visit Gallipoli, but hasn't yet gone. Churchill hasn't turned up on the Western Front following the acceptance that G must be given up on. Bulgaria has just entered the war. Italy and A-H are about to have the 4th Battle of the Isonzo, and Townshend is about to be stuck in Mesopotamia.
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