Angus Douglas-Hamilton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Angus Douglas-Hamilton
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| Born | 20 August 1863 Brighton, East Sussex, UK |
| Died | 26 September 1915 (aged 52) Loos, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1884-1915 † |
| Rank | Lieutenant-Colonel |
| Unit | Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders |
| Battles/wars | Mahdist War World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Relations | Major General Octavius Douglas-Hamilton (father) |
Lieutenant-Colonel Angus Falconar Douglas-Hamilton was a brave Scottish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for courage given to British and Commonwealth forces. He earned this award for his amazing bravery during a battle.
Contents
About Angus Douglas-Hamilton
His Early Life and Education
Angus Douglas-Hamilton was born in Brighton, England, in 1863. His father was Major General Octavius Douglas-Hamilton. Angus went to a special school called Foster's Naval Preparatory School. Later, he studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, which is a famous place where army officers are trained.
His Military Career Before WWI
In 1884, Angus joined the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, a famous Scottish army regiment. He served in many different places around the world. These included Sudan, Gibraltar, Malta, South Africa, China, and India. By 1901, he had become a major. He retired from active service in 1912 but stayed on the army's reserve list. This meant he could be called back to duty if needed.
His Bravery in the First World War
Joining the War Effort
When the First World War started in August 1914, Angus Douglas-Hamilton was 50 years old. Even though he had retired, he was called back to serve. He was promoted to a temporary Lieutenant-Colonel and given command of the 6th Battalion of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders.
The Battle of Loos and the Victoria Cross
His incredible bravery was shown on September 25–26, 1915, during the Battle of Loos in France. His battalion was fighting on a hill called Hill 70. The soldiers on his right and left sides had to retreat. But Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas-Hamilton kept his own battalion together. He led his men forward four times, even when things were very dangerous.
The last time, he led the remaining 50 men with great courage. He was killed at the very front of his troops. Because of his amazing bravery and leadership, his soldiers were able to stop the enemy from advancing at that important spot.
Remembering His Sacrifice
Angus Douglas-Hamilton is remembered on the Loos Memorial in France. This memorial honors soldiers who died in the area and have no known grave.
The Victoria Cross Medal
Angus Douglas-Hamilton's Victoria Cross medal is a very special award. It is now on display at the Regimental Museum of the Queen's Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons). This museum is located at Fort George in Inverness-shire, Scotland.
