Archibald Douglas (1883–1960) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Archibald Douglas
Birth name	Wilhelm Archibald Douglas
Nickname(s)	Archie
Born	(1883-07-19)19 July 1883 Stjärnorp Castle, Sweden
Died	5 July 1960(1960-07-05) (aged 76) Grensholm, Sweden
Allegiance	Sweden
Service/branch	Swedish Army
Years of service	1903–1948
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands held	Norrland Dragoon Regiment Life Regiment of Horse Upper Norrland's Troops Inspector of the Swedish Army Chief of the Army
Battles/wars	Finnish Civil War Battle of Länkipohja Battle of Tampere

Count Wilhelm Archibald Douglas (born 19 July 1883 – died 5 July 1960) was an important officer in the Swedish Army. He was a nobleman who became the Chief of the Army for Sweden from 1944 to 1948. This was a very high position in the military.

Early Life and Family

Archibald Douglas was born on July 19, 1883, at Stjärnorp Castle in Sweden. He was one of four sons. His father, Count Ludvig Douglas, held a special role as the Marshal of the Realm. This meant he was a high-ranking official in the royal court.

Archibald had an older brother named Robert and a younger brother named Carl. His family was well-connected. For example, his cousin, Carl August Ehrensvärd, later took over his role as Chief of the Army.

A Military Career

Archibald Douglas started his military journey in 1903. He quickly moved up the ranks. By 1906, he was a lieutenant in the Life Regiment Dragoons. This was a cavalry unit, meaning they rode horses.

In 1913, he joined the General Staff. This group helps plan and organize the army. He became a captain in 1916.

Douglas also served as a military history teacher. He taught at the Royal Swedish Army Staff College in Stockholm. In 1918, he went to Finland to help during the Finnish Civil War. He fought in battles like the Battle of Länkipohja and the Battle of Tampere. While in Finland, he was promoted to captain and lieutenant colonel in the Finnish Army.

After returning to Sweden, he continued to teach. He taught ground warfare at the Royal Swedish Naval Staff College. He became a major in 1924.

Douglas kept getting promoted. He became a lieutenant colonel in 1928 and a colonel in 1930. He led different military units, including the Norrland Dragoon Regiment. In 1937, he became a major general. He was put in charge of the Upper Norrland's Troops.

In 1942, he became the Inspector of the Swedish Army. This role involved checking on the army's readiness. Finally, in 1944, he was promoted to lieutenant general. He was then appointed the Chief of the Army. He held this top position until he retired from the military in 1948.

Besides his military work, Douglas also served the public. He was a member of the Stockholm City Council for a few years. He also worked for King Gustaf V, first as an aide-de-camp and later as his chief aide.

Family Life

In 1907, Archibald Douglas married Astri Henschen. They had two sons: Carl and Archibald. His son Carl later became an ambassador. His other son, Archibald, became a company executive.

Archibald Douglas was also a grandfather. His grandson, Gustaf Douglas, became a well-known financier. His family owned Stjärnorp Castle, which was a special family home.

Douglas also enjoyed writing. He wrote books about important military leaders. These included Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, a Finnish Marshal, and Robert Douglas, Count of Skenninge, who was an ancestor of his.

Death

Archibald Douglas passed away on July 5, 1960. He was 76 years old. He died in a car accident near Linköping, Sweden. He was on his way home from a visit when the accident happened.

Awards and Honours

Archibald Douglas received many awards and decorations during his long career. These honors came from Sweden and other countries. They recognized his bravery and service.

He was also a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences. This is a group of experts who study military science.

See Also

• Chief of Army (Sweden)

Images for kids

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  King Gustaf V's Jubilee Commemorative Medal

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  King Gustaf V's Commemorative Medal

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  Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the Sword

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  Commander 1st Class of the Order of the Sword

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  Knight of the Order of the Sword

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  Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav (Norway)

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  Second Class of the Order of the Cross of Liberty with Swords (Finland)

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  Commander First Class of the Order of the White Rose of Finland

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  Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords (Netherlands)

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  Third Class of the Order of Saint Stanislaus (Russian Empire)