In 1895, at the age of 21, Winston Churchill held his first commissioned rank — Cornet (equivalent to Second Lieutenant), in the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars, a light cavalry regiment of the British Army. This early stage of his military career was crucial: it introduced him to active service, foreign travel, warfare, and the political insight that later defined his statesmanship.

Churchill had graduated from the Royal Military College at Sandhurst that same year, having barely been accepted after several attempts. Once commissioned, he immediately looked for opportunities to experience combat and distinguish himself, both as a soldier and as a writer. His ambition to make a name for himself was already clear.