Herbert Cecil Duncan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herbert Cecil Duncan
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Brigadier Herbert Cecil Duncan
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| Born | 19 August 1895 Lanarkshire, Scotland |
| Died | 20 January 1942 (aged 46) Singapore |
| Buried |
Kranji War Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1942 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Unit | The Seaforth Highlanders 13th Frontier Force Rifles |
| Commands held | 45th Indian Infantry Brigade (1941–42) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Third Anglo-Afghan War Waziristan campaign of 1936–1939 Second World War |
| Awards | Mentioned in Despatches (2) |
Herbert Cecil Duncan (born August 19, 1895 – died January 20, 1942) was a brave officer in the British Indian Army. He was a Brigadier, which is a high rank in the army. He led a group of soldiers called the 45th Indian Infantry Brigade during a big fight called the Battle of Malaya. This happened just before the Fall of Singapore in World War II.
Contents
Herbert Duncan's Army Journey
Starting His Military Career
Herbert Duncan joined the army in 1914. He first became a temporary second lieutenant in a group called the Seaforth Highlanders. By 1918, he joined the British Indian Army as a permanent lieutenant.
He fought in the First World War. For his good service, he was Mentioned in Despatches. This means his bravery or good work was officially recognized.
Serving in Different Roles
Later, he was part of the 13th Frontier Force Rifles. From 1931 onwards, he worked as a General Staff Officer. This role involves planning and organizing for the army.
He was Mentioned in Despatches a second time. This was during a conflict called the Waziristan campaign of 1936–1939. In June 1941, he took charge of the 45th Indian Infantry Brigade.
His Final Battle
In January 1942, during the Malayan campaign, his brigade was retreating. This was near the Muar River in Malaya. On January 19, 1942, his headquarters was attacked from the air. He got a concussion, which is a head injury.
The next day, his group tried to escape from Japanese forces. They were surrounded. Herbert Duncan bravely led a bayonet charge against the Japanese. This was to protect the back of his brigade. Sadly, he was killed during this attack.
Herbert Duncan is buried in the Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore.
