Major-General Henry Finn CB mid 1852-1924

An imperial officer of the 21st Hussars and 21st Lancers, Harry Finn served in the Afghan and Nile Wars, and at the battle of Omdurman.

He was seconded as Commandant in the rank of colonel of the Queensland Defence Force 1900-01, and after the federation transfer of the colonial forces to the Commonwealth Military Forces, as a brigadier-general Commandant of the of the New South Wales component 1902-04.

In 1904 he was appointed as Inspector General of the CMF, reporting independently to federal parliament annually on the condition of the forces and recommending changes and actions, holding this position until 1906.

He was described in the Senate as 'the ablest military man in the Commonwealth' and as a man possessing 'grit, determination, ability and backbone' but had an adversarial relationship with Minister for Defence Playford, and considered the Military Board's unresponsiveness to his recommendations unworkable, returning to England after expiry of his appointment.