Eric Stuart Dougall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eric Stuart Dougall
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 13 April 1886 Tunbridge Wells, Kent |
| Died | 14 April 1918 (aged 32) Kemmel, Belgium |
| Buried |
Westoutre British Cemetery, Belgium
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Royal Field Artillery |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Military Cross |
Major Eric Stuart Dougall was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Military Cross (MC). The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery. It is given to soldiers from the British and Commonwealth forces.
Eric Dougall was born on 13 April 1886. His hometown was Tunbridge Wells, Kent. He sadly died on 14 April 1918, during World War I. He was 32 years old when he passed away in Kemmel, Belgium.
Early Life and Education
Eric Stuart Dougall's parents were Andrew and Emily Elizabeth Dougall. He went to Tonbridge School. While there, he won a famous cross-country race. It was called the Cras.
Before he joined the army, Eric worked as an Assistant Engineer. He helped manage the port in Bombay, India. Today, this city is known as Mumbai.
A Hero in World War I
During World War I, Eric Dougall became an Acting Captain. He was part of the Royal Field Artillery. This meant he was in charge of big guns. He was 31 years old when he showed amazing bravery. This happened on 10 April 1918. It was near Messines, in Belgium.
The Victoria Cross Action
Captain Dougall was leading his battery of guns. They were under heavy attack. Enemy gas and explosive shells were falling all around them. He saw that his guns could not fire over a hill. This was because his own soldiers had moved back.
So, Captain Dougall bravely moved his guns to the top of the ridge. He wanted to fire them directly at the enemy. At this point, the enemy had pushed our soldiers back. They were now in line with Dougall's guns.
Captain Dougall quickly took charge. He gathered the infantry soldiers. He gave them machine guns and rifles to his own gunners. He formed a new line of defense in front of his battery. His guns kept firing quickly at the enemy.
Even with bullets and machine gun fire all around him, Captain Dougall walked calmly. He gave orders and encouraged everyone. He told the soldiers, "As long as you stay in your trenches, I will keep my guns here."
This brave stand held the enemy back for over twelve hours. In the evening, his battery ran out of ammunition. They were ordered to pull back. They had to move the heavy guns by hand. This was very difficult because the ground was full of shell holes. It was also under heavy machine gun fire.
Thanks to Captain Dougall's courage and leadership, a serious break in the army's line was stopped. He was killed four days later. He died while directing his battery's fire.
Legacy
Eric Stuart Dougall was killed in action on 14 April 1918. He died in Kemmel, Belgium. His Victoria Cross medal is now owned by Pembroke College, Cambridge.
In Mumbai, India, there is a building named after him. It is called Dougall House. This building was once a home for officers. It remembers his time working at the Bombay Port Trust.
