Lewis Heath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Lewis Macclesfield Heath
|
|
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Piggy" |
| Born | 23 November 1885 India |
| Died | 10 January 1954 (aged 68) Bath, Somerset, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1905–1946 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Service number | 93958 |
| Commands held | III Indian Corps (1941–42) 5th Indian Division (1940–41) Deccan District (1939–40) Wana Brigade (1936–39) 1st Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment (1929–33) Seistan Levy Corps (1919–21) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Third Anglo-Afghan War North-West Frontier Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire Distinguished Service Order Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches (3) |
Lieutenant General Sir Lewis Macclesfield Heath was an important officer in the British Indian Army. He served from 1905 to 1946. He is known for his leadership during the Second World War and for being a prisoner of war.
Contents
Growing Up: Lewis Heath's Early Life
Lewis Heath was born on November 23, 1885, in India. His father, Colonel Lewis Forbes Heath, was also a soldier in the British Indian Army.
Lewis went to Wellington College and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. These were important schools for future army officers. In 1905, he officially joined the British Indian Army.
Family Life
In 1915, Lewis Heath married Marjorie Drew. They had three sons and two daughters together. Later, in 1941, he married Kathleen Longeron from Auckland, and they had another son.
A Soldier's Journey: Military Career
Lewis Heath began his long army career on January 18, 1905. He served with the King's African Rifles from 1909 to 1913. He became a captain on January 18, 1914.
World War I and Beyond
Heath fought in the First World War. During this time, he was injured. He lost an eye and his left arm was permanently damaged. For his bravery, he received the Military Cross.
After World War I, he continued to serve. He fought in the Third Anglo-Afghan War. He also served in East Persia from 1919 to 1921. He held various important roles in India and Afghanistan during this period.
Leadership Roles in India
In 1929, Heath became the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment. He was sent to the North-West Frontier in India in 1930 and 1932. This was a challenging area.
He received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1933 for his excellent service. In 1934, he became an instructor at the Senior Officers School in Belgaum, India. He then commanded the Wana Brigade in 1936, returning to the North West Frontier in 1937.
In 1939, he was promoted to Major General. He was also awarded the Order of the Bath. He then became Commander of the 7th Indian Division in the Deccan District.
World War II: East Africa and Malaya
During the Second World War, Lewis Heath led the 5th Indian Infantry Division. They achieved success in the East African Campaign. His leadership was highly praised.
On May 10, 1941, he was promoted to Lieutenant General. He also received the Order of the British Empire (KBE).
Later in 1941, he was put in charge of the III Indian Corps. This group was part of the Malaya Command. They took part in the Battle of Malaya.
Challenges in Malaya and Singapore
During the Battle of Malaya, Heath faced a tough challenge. He could not stop the advance of the Japanese army. He also had different ideas about how to fight the war compared to his commanding officer, Lieutenant General Arthur Percival.
Heath was captured by the Japanese during the Battle of Singapore. He was held as a prisoner of war from 1942 to 1945. He was held in different places, including Singapore, Formosa, and Manchukuo (Manchuria).
After the war, he retired from the army on April 13, 1946, as a Lieutenant General. Sir Lewis Macclesfield Heath passed away on January 10, 1954.
