Ivor Maxse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Ivor Maxse
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| Birth name | Frederick Ivor Maxse |
| Born | 22 December 1862 London, England |
| Died | 28 January 1958 (aged 95) Midhurst, Sussex, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1882−1926 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | Royal Fusiliers Coldstream Guards |
| Commands held | 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards 1st (Guards) Brigade 18th (Eastern) Division XVIII Corps IX Corps Northern Command |
| Battles/wars | Mahdist War Second Boer War World War I |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Distinguished Service Order |
General Sir Frederick Ivor Maxse (22 December 1862 – 28 January 1958) was a very important British Army officer. He is best known for his smart and new ways of training soldiers. He fought bravely during the First World War.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Ivor Maxse was the oldest of four children. His father was Admiral Frederick Maxse. Ivor went to school at Mr. Lake's Preparatory School in Caterham, Surrey from 1875 to 1877. After that, he attended Rugby School from 1877 to 1880. He then studied at Sandhurst from 1881 to 1882, which is a famous military academy.
Starting His Military Career
Ivor Maxse officially joined the 7th Royal Fusiliers in 1882 as an officer. In 1891, he moved to the Coldstream Guards. He served in the Egyptian Army and was part of important battles. These included the Battle of Atbara and the Battle of Omdurman.
In November 1899, he led the 13th Sudanese Battalion. They helped defeat the Khalifa at the Battle of Umm Diwaykarat. Because of his excellent service in Sudan, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1900.
He then served in the Second Boer War (1899-1901) in South Africa. He was a staff officer, helping with transport. From 1903 to 1907, he commanded the first battalion of the Coldstream Guards. In 1910, he was promoted again to lead the 1st (Guards) Brigade.
Leading in World War I
As a Division Commander
During the First World War, Ivor Maxse was a division commander. He led the 18th (Eastern) Division. This division achieved all its goals on the First Day of the Battle of the Somme. This was a huge success.
He managed this by cleverly hiding his division in the area between the two armies, called "no man's land". They then followed very closely behind the "creeping barrage". This was a moving wall of artillery fire that protected them as they advanced towards the German lines. His division was made up of volunteers from London and the south-east. They were considered one of the best fighting divisions in the British Army by September 1916.
As a Corps Commander
In January 1917, Maxse was given command of XVIII Corps. He led them during the difficult Battle of Passchendaele.
Maxse's XVIII Corps also defended against the German Spring Offensive. This major attack began on 21 March 1918. On March 22, Maxse ordered his corps to retreat. They moved back behind the Somme River that evening. Even though his commander tried to stop the retreat, it was too late.
By March 24, French soldiers began to join Maxse's line, helping to reinforce it. Maxse's corps held their position with the help of a counterattack. This attack included cavalry, infantry, and machine gun teams.
On March 26, Maxse continued to hold his part of the line. He resisted pressure from the French to retreat further south-west.
Inspector General of Training
Ivor Maxse was very good at training soldiers. In June 1918, he was moved from leading troops in battle. He became the Inspector General of Training for the British Armies in France and the UK. His job was to make sure all soldiers were trained in the same way. This training prepared them for the new type of fighting that was coming. This new fighting combined quick attacks with open warfare. This style of fighting was key to the Hundred Days Offensive.
His Views on Germany
After World War I, during talks for peace, Maxse shared his strong opinions about Germany. He believed that Germany would want to rebuild its military power. He thought they would try to launch another attack in the future. He felt it was important to understand this and be prepared. He believed that to prevent future conflicts, Germany's military strength needed to be greatly reduced.
In January 1919, he wrote that he was sure Germany would recover quickly, perhaps in ten years. He thought they would return to their military ways. Maxse caused some discussion when he gave a speech in November. He said he preferred "a League of Tanks to a League of Nations". This showed his focus on military strength for peace.
After the War
After World War I, Maxse became the General Officer Commanding for the 9th Army Corps. This corps was stationed in Germany as part of the British Army of the Rhine.
From 1919 to 1923, he was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief for Northern Command. He retired from the army in 1926.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1899, Ivor Maxse married Mary Caroline Wyndham. She was the daughter of Henry Wyndham, 2nd Baron Leconfield.
After retiring from the army, he started his own fruit growing company. It was called Maxey Fruit Company and was located in Little Bognor, Fittleworth. His company was very successful. He also served as the colonel of the Middlesex Regiment from 1921 to 1932.
In 1956, he had a stroke, which made him unable to move easily. He moved to a nursing home in West Lavington, Sussex. He passed away in 1958. He is buried at St Mary's Church in Fittleworth, West Sussex.
Many people admired Ivor Maxse. The military historian Basil Liddell Hart described him as someone who quickly understood new ideas. He said Maxse was fierce but had a kind heart. He liked people who weren't afraid of him and always encouraged new ideas.
Another military historian, Correlli Barnett, called Maxse "one of the ablest officers of his generation". He said Maxse was original, driven, and had a very strong personality.
Images for kids
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Lieutenant General Ivor Maxse, the GOC of the 18th Corps, presenting medals to men of the 152nd (1st Highland) Brigade, 51st Division at St. Jans-Ter-Brizen, 21 August 1917.
