Charles Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby
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| Birth name | Charles Strathavon Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby |
| Nickname(s) | Charlie |
| Born | 18 May 1870 London, England |
| Died | 15 December 1949 (aged 79) Hampstead, London, England |
| Buried |
East Halton, Lincolnshire
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1888–1919 |
| Rank | Brigadier-General |
| Unit | Scots Guards |
| Commands held | Civil Service Rifles 142nd (6th London) Brigade 120th Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War World War I |
| Awards | Order of the Bath Order of St Michael and St George |
| Relations | 1st Earl of Ancaster (father) 2nd Earl of Ancaster (brother) Claud Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby (brother) |
Brigadier-General Hon. Charles Strathavon Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby (18 May 1870 – 15 December 1949) was a brave officer in the British Army. He served in two major conflicts: the Second Boer War and World War I. He was known for his leadership and dedication to his country.
Contents
Charles Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby: A Military Life
Growing Up and Early Training
Charles Strathavon Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby was born in London, England, on 18 May 1870. He was the second son of Gilbert Henry Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby. His father later became the Earl of Ancaster. Because his father was a peer, Charles was given the special title 'The Honourable'.
He went to Eton College, a famous school, and then studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. In March 1888, when he was 17, Charles began his military career. He joined the part-time Militia, which was a local defense force. In January 1891, he joined the British Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Scots Guards. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Lieutenant in 1894 and a Captain in 1899.
Fighting in the Boer War
When the Second Boer War began, Captain Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby was serving with the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards. This war was fought in South Africa. His battalion sailed to South Africa in March 1900 to help with the fighting.
They took part in battles in the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal. Charles served as an Aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to the British High Commissioner, Sir Alfred Milner, for a short time. He later became the Adjutant (a senior administrative officer) for his battalion. For his service during the war, he was promoted to Brevet Major in August 1902. This meant he held the rank of Major, but without the full pay.
Preparing for World War I
After the Boer War, Major Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby continued his military work. In 1904, he became the Commandant of a special school. This school trained officers for the part-time forces in the British Army.
In June 1908, he officially retired from the Regular Army. However, he didn't stop serving. He joined the new Territorial Force. This force was made up of volunteers and was created to support the main army. From 1908 to 1912, he commanded a battalion called the 15th (County of London) Battalion, the London Regiment. In April 1912, he became a Colonel and took command of the 6th London Infantry Brigade. This brigade was part of the 2nd London Division.
Leading Troops in World War I
When World War I started in August 1914, Colonel Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby was made a Temporary Brigadier-General. His brigade was prepared for service on the Western Front in France. In March 1915, his division arrived in France. It was renamed the 47th (1/2nd London) Division, and his brigade became the 142nd (1/6th London) Brigade.
The Battle of Festubert
Brigadier-General Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby's 142nd Brigade led the division's first attack. This happened on 25 May 1915, during the Battle of Festubert. His soldiers bravely charged across open ground and captured the German trenches. They had few losses at first. However, they then faced heavy fire from German artillery. Many soldiers were injured or killed, including those who came to support them.
Reorganizing His Brigade
After the Battle of Festubert, Brigadier-General Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby went on sick leave. He was later given command of a new brigade, the 120th, in the 40th Division. This division was still being formed in England.
The 40th Division was one of the last "Kitchener Army" divisions. These divisions were made up of volunteers. Brigadier-General Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby had to reorganize his brigade in February 1916. He worked hard to make sure his troops were ready for battle. The division then prepared to go overseas.
Key Battles in France
The 40th Division arrived in France in June 1916. They spent the rest of the war on the Western Front. Brigadier-General Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby's brigade was the first part of the division to see serious action. They fought in the Battle of the Ancre in November 1916, which was part of the larger Battle of the Somme.
In early 1917, his division followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line. On 24 April, his 120th Brigade successfully captured the villages of Villers-Plouich and Beaucamp. They also took over 300 prisoners.
In November 1917, during the Battle of Cambrai, his brigade was in reserve. They were later sent into the intense fighting to capture Bourlon Wood. The battles were confusing and lasted for two days and nights. His soldiers fought bravely, but the division suffered heavy losses.
End of His Command
In early 1918, all brigades on the Western Front were reorganized due to heavy losses. Brigadier-General Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby's brigade became an entirely Scottish formation. He had been in command for two and a half years. Sadly, he became very ill and had to return to the UK in March 1918. His brigade was almost completely destroyed in the major German offensive that followed.
Life After the War
After the war, Brigadier-General Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby was officially granted the honorary rank of Brigadier-General on 4 March 1919. He later became a popular Chairman of the Turf Club in London.
He married Lady Muriel Agnes Stuart Erskine on 7 January 1903. They had two children:
- Charles Peregrine Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughy, born in 1905.
- Rosalie Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughy, born in 1908. She married Lt-Col Sir Terence Nugent in 1935.
Brigadier-General Hon. Charles Strathavon Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby passed away on 15 December 1949. He is buried in St Michael's Churchyard, East Halton, Lincolnshire.
Awards and Recognition
For his dedicated service, Brigadier-General Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby received several important awards:
