Christopher Welby-Everard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Christopher Welby-Everard
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| Nickname(s) | "Chris" |
| Born | 9 August 1909 Spalding, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 10 May 1996 (aged 86) Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1932–1965 |
| Rank |  Major general |
| Service number | 52445 |
| Unit | Lincolnshire Regiment |
| Commands held | 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment 1st Battalion, Royal Lincolnshire Regiment 157th (Lowland) Infantry Brigade Nigerian Army |
| Battles/wars | Arab revolt in Palestine World War II |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Mentioned in despatches |
Sir Christopher Earle Welby-Everard (born August 9, 1909 – died May 10, 1996) was a very important officer in the British Army. He reached the high rank of Major General. He was also the last British person to lead the Nigerian Army.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Christopher Welby-Everard was born in Spalding, Lincolnshire, England. This happened on August 9, 1909. His father was Edward Everard Earle Welby-Everard.
He went to a school called Charterhouse School. Later, he studied at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. He finished his studies there in 1931.
Joining the Army
Christopher Welby-Everard joined the army on April 30, 1932. He became a second lieutenant in the Lincolnshire Regiment. This was a special part of the British Army.
He was promoted to lieutenant in 1933. He served in the 2nd Battalion of his regiment. He saw action during the Arab revolt in Palestine. This was a conflict in the Middle East.
From 1937 to 1939, he worked at the Regimental Depot in Lincoln. He was promoted to captain in 1938.
World War II Service
During World War II, from 1939 to 1943, he worked as a staff officer. This meant he helped plan and organize army operations. He also attended a special training school called the Staff College, Camberley.
In March 1944, he became a lieutenant colonel. He was put in charge of the 2nd Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment. This battalion was part of the invasion of Normandy.
His battalion was part of the British 3rd Division. They took part in the D-Day landings in June 1944. This was a huge event where Allied forces landed in France. Welby-Everard led his battalion during the early fights in Normandy. He was injured during a battle called Operation Goodwood in July.
After recovering, he worked with the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division. He then served with the Middle East Land Forces until 1948. He received an award called the Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1945.
Later Career and Leadership
From 1949 to 1951, Welby-Everard was in charge of the 1st Battalion, Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. He continued to rise through the ranks. In 1953, he became a full colonel.
He held several important leadership roles. He was Commander of HQ Scottish Command until 1957. Then, he worked as Brigadier General Staff for the British Army of the Rhine. This was the British army in Germany.
In 1959, he was promoted to major-general. He then became Chief of Staff for Allied Forces in Northern Europe until 1961. He received another award, the Companion of the Order of the Bath, in 1960.
From 1962 to 1965, Major General Welby-Everard had a very important job. He was the General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army. He was the last British officer to hold this position. This was after Nigeria became an independent country.
He retired from the army on May 1, 1965. In the same year, he was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE). This is a very high honor.
Life After the Army
After leaving the army, Sir Christopher continued to serve his community. In 1966, he became a Deputy Lieutenant for Lincolnshire. This is a special role that supports the King or Queen's representative in the county.
In 1974, he served as the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. This is an old and respected position.
Family and Hobbies
Sir Christopher Welby-Everard married Sybil Juliet Wake Shorrock in 1938. They had two sons together.
He also enjoyed playing cricket. He played for the Lincolnshire team from 1934 to 1938.
