Archibald Stirling (British Army officer) facts for kids

Brigadier General Archibald Stirling was a brave officer in the British Army. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. He was born in 1867 and passed away in 1931.

Archibald Stirling's Early Life

Archibald Stirling was born at a place called Keir, near Dunblane in Scotland. He was the second son of Sir William Stirling-Maxwell. His mother was Lady Anna Maria.

In 1910, Archibald Stirling married Margaret Fraser. They had six children together, four sons and two daughters. One of his sons became very famous. This was Lieutenant-Colonel Sir David Stirling. Sir David Stirling later founded the Special Air Service (SAS).

Military Career and Service

Archibald Stirling went to school at Eton College and then Trinity College, Cambridge. After his education, he joined the Scots Guards in 1889. This was a famous part of the British Army.

He quickly moved up in rank. He became a lieutenant in 1892. Then, he became a captain in 1899.

Stirling served in the Egyptian Army for a short time. He earned a medal called the Queen's Sudan Medal. This was for his service in Sudan.

Fighting in the Boer War

In 1900, he joined the Second Boer War in South Africa. He fought with his regiment from 1900 to 1902. For his bravery, he received two more medals. These were the Queen's South Africa Medal and the King's South Africa Medal.

After the war, he left active service in 1903. But he stayed in the Reserve of Officers. This meant he could be called back to duty if needed.

World War I Service

In 1904, he joined the Imperial Yeomanry. He became a major in a group called Lovat's Scouts. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1909. He became the commanding officer of the 2nd Lovat Scouts.

When the First World War started, Stirling was called back to serve. In 1915, he was made a brigade commander. This gave him the temporary rank of brigadier general. He led the Highland Mounted Brigade in a battle called Gallipoli in 1915. He also commanded the 2nd Dismounted Brigade in Egypt in 1916.

For his service during the war, he was recognized twice. This is called being "mentioned in despatches". It means his actions were praised in official reports. He also received three more medals: the 1914–15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. He was given the honorary rank of brigadier general.

He officially retired from the army in 1922. He kept his rank and the right to wear his uniform.

Politics and Later Life

In 1917, Archibald Stirling became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented West Perthshire. He was a member of the Unionist Party. He served as an MP until 1918.

After the war, he joined a special committee. This committee looked into "Shell-shock." This was a term used for the mental health problems soldiers faced after fighting. The committee published its findings in 1922.

See also

In Spanish: Archibald Stirling para niños