Winston Churchill (November 20, 1874 - January 24, 1965) In 1893 Churchill left Harrow, joining RMA Sandhurst. He tried to join the infantry, but was refused after failing the first exam. He then joined the cavalry, passing the course and becoming a lieutenant (thanks to his father’s influence) in September 1893. He served in several garrisons in 1893 – 1894. In may 1894 he was posted to Prussia to observe their summer maneuvers. Churchill was greatly impressed by the order and efficiency of the Prussian soldiers, remarking that they were “the finest in Europe”.