Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton facts for kids

Wing Commander Lord Malcolm Avondale Douglas-Hamilton (born November 12, 1909 – died July 21, 1964) was a Scottish nobleman, a skilled pilot, and a politician. He was known for his adventurous spirit and his efforts to build strong connections between Scotland and the United States. He served in the Royal Air Force and was a Member of Parliament.

Family Life and Connections

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton was the third son of Alfred Douglas-Hamilton, who was the 13th Duke of Hamilton, and Nina Mary Benita Poore. He went to famous schools like Eton College and the RAF College Cranwell, where he learned to be a pilot.

He was married twice. His first marriage was in 1931 to Pamela Bowes-Lyon. She was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. They had four children together. Their oldest son, Alasdair, later wrote a book about his father's life called Lord of the Skies.

After divorcing Pamela, Lord Malcolm married Natalie Scarritt Wales in 1953. Natalie was an American who helped organize the Bundles for Britain campaign during the Second World War. This campaign sent supplies from America to Britain.

Building Scottish-American Ties

After his second marriage, Lord Malcolm moved to the United States. He worked hard to improve relationships between Scotland and Americans who had Scottish family roots. He thought of the United States as his second home.

He and Lady Malcolm started the American Scottish Foundation. This group is one of the oldest American organizations dedicated to strengthening ties between the U.S. and Scotland. The foundation helped create Scotland House and the Scottish Ball, an annual event that raises money to support Scottish-American causes.

Aviation Career and Military Service

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton loved flying. He served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1929 to 1932. After that, he worked in civil aviation, flying planes for non-military purposes, until the Second World War began.

Service During World War II

During the Second World War, Lord Malcolm rejoined the RAF. He became the commander of RAF Winkleigh in 1944. He was recognized for his bravery and service. In 1943, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 1944, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, which is a special award for pilots. From 1945 to 1946, he was the leader of the Air Training Corps for Scotland. This organization helps young people learn about aviation.

Later Flying Adventures

Lord Malcolm continued his passion for flying after the war. In the early 1960s, he started his own company that offered charter flights. He and his son, Niall, traveled to many distant parts of the world on these flights. Sadly, in 1964, during a trip through Cameroon, Lord Malcolm, aged 54, went missing with his son Niall and a passenger. Their plane crashed in the thick jungle. His family searched for him, and his remains were found. However, his son Niall and the passenger were never found.

Political Role

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton was a Unionist Member of Parliament for the area of Inverness in Scotland. He held this position from 1950 to 1954.

He also held other important roles, such as being a Governor of Gordonstoun School. He was also a member of the Royal Company of Archers, which is a ceremonial bodyguard for the King or Queen in Scotland.

See also

• George Nigel Douglas-Hamilton, 10th Earl of Selkirk
• Lord David Douglas-Hamilton
• Duke of Hamilton