Edward Backhouse (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Backhouse
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| Born | 7 February 1895 Bosmere, Ipswich, Suffolk, England |
| Died | 20 November 1973 (aged 78) Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1948 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Service number | 8321 |
| Unit | Suffolk Regiment |
| Commands held | 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment 54th Infantry Brigade |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in despatches |
| Other work | Colonel of the Suffolk Regiment |
Brigadier Edward Henry Walford Backhouse was a British Army officer. He was born on February 7, 1895, and passed away on November 20, 1973. He served in both World War I and World War II. Interestingly, he was captured and became a prisoner of war in both conflicts.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edward Backhouse was born in Suffolk, England. His father was Rev. Edward Bell Backhouse. Edward went to school at St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate. After that, he attended the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is where many British Army officers train.
A Career in the Military
Joining the Army
After finishing his training at Sandhurst, Edward Backhouse became a second lieutenant. This happened on February 25, 1914. He joined the Suffolk Regiment, which was an infantry unit. He was sent to the 2nd Battalion of his regiment. They were stationed in Ireland at the time.
World War I and Capture
In August 1914, World War I began. Backhouse and his battalion were sent to France. Just a few weeks later, on August 26, he was wounded. He was then captured during the Battle of Le Cateau. This meant he became a prisoner of war (POW). Even while he was a prisoner, he was promoted to captain in 1917.
Between the Wars
After World War I ended, Backhouse was released. He continued to serve with the Suffolk Regiment. He attended the Staff College, Camberley, a special training school. He also held several important positions. These included working at the War Office. From 1938 to 1939, he was the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment.
World War II and Second Capture
Just before World War II started in September 1939, Backhouse was promoted. He became a temporary brigadier. He then took command of the 54th Infantry Brigade. This was a new unit of the Territorial Army. For a short time in 1940, he even acted as the leader of the 18th Infantry Division.
After training in the United Kingdom, his brigade went to British Malaya. Backhouse led the 54th Brigade during the fall of Singapore. When the British forces surrendered, he was captured again. This time, he became a prisoner of war of the Japanese. This was his second time being a POW in his military career.
After the Wars
Backhouse was released when World War II ended. In 1946, he was recognized for his leadership. He retired from the army in 1948. He held the honorary rank of brigadier.
After his retirement, he continued to serve. From 1947 to 1957, he was the honorary colonel of the Suffolk Regiment. He also became a Deputy lieutenant for Suffolk. In 1961, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This is a high honor.
Personal Life
Edward Backhouse married Eileen Noël Newby Jenks in 1920. They had two children together. Their son was named Colin Backhouse. Their daughter was named June Backhouse.
