George Haig, 2nd Earl Haig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Haig
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Alexander Eugene Douglas Haig
15 March 1918 |
| Died | 9 July 2009 (aged 91) Melrose, Scottish Borders, Scotland |
| Resting place | Dryburgh Abbey 55°34′37.5″N 2°38′58″W / 55.577083°N 2.64944°W |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouses |
Adrienne Thérèse Morley
(m. 1956; div. 1981)Donna Gerolama Lopez y Royo di Taurisano
(m. 1981) |
| Parent |
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| Education | Stowe School |
| Alma mater | Christ Church, Oxford |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | British Army |
| Years of service | 1939–1945 |
| Unit | Royal Scots Greys |
| Battles/wars | Second World War (POW) |
George Alexander Eugene Douglas Haig (born March 15, 1918 – died July 9, 2009) was a British artist and a member of the nobility. He became the 2nd Earl Haig when he was just nine years old, after his father, Field Marshal Douglas Haig, passed away. Before this, he was known as Viscount Dawyck. His friends and family often called him Dawyck Haig.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Haig had an interesting start to his life. In 1937, he was chosen to be a Page of Honour for King George VI at his coronation. This meant he had a special role in the important ceremony.
He went to Stowe School and later studied at Christ Church, Oxford University. He earned his first degree in 1939 and a master's degree in 1950.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, George Haig joined the British Army. He served as an officer with the Royal Scots Greys Regiment. He was stationed in places like Palestine and North Africa.
In 1941, he was captured by enemy forces. He became a prisoner of war (POW) and was held in camps in Italy and Germany. One of these camps was Oflag IV-C, also known as "Colditz." He was part of a special group of prisoners called "Prominente." These were prisoners with important family connections, and they were kept under special conditions.
Later Life and Contributions
After the war, Earl Haig dedicated much of his time to helping others. He was very involved with charities that supported former soldiers. These charities were originally started by his father.
He served as the chairman of the British Legion in Scotland from 1962 to 1965. Later, he became the president of the Earl Haig Fund from 1980 to 1986. For his hard work with the British Legion, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1966.
In 1977, he was recognized as a Knight of the Order of St John. Besides his charity work, Earl Haig was also a talented artist. He was an Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy, which is a big honor for artists in Scotland. In 2000, he wrote a book about his life called My Father's Son.
Family Life
Earl Haig was married twice. In 1956, he married Adrienne Thérèse Morley. They had three children together:
- Lady Adrienne Raina Haig
- Lady Elizabeth Vivienne Thérèse Haig
- Alexander Douglas Derrick Haig, who became the 3rd Earl Haig
Earl Haig and Adrienne divorced in 1981. Later that same year, he married Donna Gerolama Lopez y Royo di Taurisano.
Death
George Alexander Eugene Douglas Haig passed away on July 9, 2009, at the age of 91. He was buried in his family's plot at Dryburgh Abbey in Scotland.
