Billy Key facts for kids

Major-General Berthold Wells Key, also known as Billy Key, was a brave officer in the British Indian Army. He was born on 19 December 1895 and passed away on 26 September 1986. He served his country in both the First and Second World Wars.

Early Life and Joining the Army

Billy Key was born on 19 December 1895. His father was Dr. J.M. Key. Billy went to school at Dulwich College in London. He joined the British Army on 1 October 1914. Just two months later, he moved to the British Indian Army.

Military Service

Billy Key had a long and important career as a soldier.

Fighting in the First World War

During the First World War, Billy Key served with a group called the 45th Rattray's Sikhs. By 1918, he had become a captain. He was wounded in a place called Mesopotamia in 1918. For his bravery, he received the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of great courage during battle.

Here is what was said about his bravery:

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Shuraimiyah on 20th October, 1918. During a reconnaissance towards the Fathah position he was ordered to advance and secure a ridge held by the enemy. Although exposed to heavy fire the company successfully reached its objective, where he moved about fearlessly in order to make his dispositions to the best advantage. He was eventually wounded, but refused to undergo treatment until his company had been withdrawn to camp. His behaviour throughout was splendid.

In 1917, he married Aileen Leslie. They had a son and two daughters. Sadly, his son was killed during the Second World War in Italy.

Between the Big Wars

After the First World War, Billy Key continued his service. He served in Afghanistan and on the North West Frontier with the 3/11th Battalion, Sikh Regiment. From 1931 to 1932, he studied at the Staff College, Quetta. In 1935, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. From 1936, he commanded the 2nd Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment. In 1937, he received the Distinguished Service Order for his service in Waziristan.

Serving in the Second World War

From 1939 to 1940, Billy Key worked as a temporary Deputy Military Secretary in India. From August 1940 to January 1942, he led the 8th Indian Infantry Brigade in Malaya. His brigade was one of the first British groups to fight the Japanese. This happened when Japan invaded Malaya in December 1941.

Later, he took command of the 11th Indian Division. He was a skilled leader, but the situation in Malaya was very difficult. The British-led forces surrendered at Singapore on 15 February 1942. They surrendered to a Japanese force that was actually smaller in number. Billy Key spent the rest of the war as a prisoner of war in Japan.

After the War

After he was released, Billy Key became an aide-de-camp to King George VI. An aide-de-camp is a personal assistant to a high-ranking official. He then held important district commands in India. On 20 January 1947, he was officially promoted to major general. He retired from the army in January 1949. Billy Key passed away in Sandwich, Kent, on 26 September 1986.