Sir Charles Monro, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Charles Monro, Bt
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| Born | 15 June 1860 At sea on the Maid of Judah |
| Died | 7 December 1929 (aged 69) Westminster, London, England, United Kingdom |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom/British Empire |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1878–1920 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) |
| Commands held | 13th Brigade 2nd London Division 2nd Division I Corps Third Army Mediterranean Expeditionary Force First Army Commander-in-Chief, India |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War First World War Third Anglo-Afghan War |
| Awards | Baronet Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India |
| Other work | Governor of Gibraltar |
General Sir Charles Carmichael Monro, 1st Baronet (born June 15, 1860 – died December 7, 1929) was an important British Army General. He served during the First World War. After the war, he became the Commander-in-Chief, India from 1916 to 1920. Later, from 1923 to 1929, he was the Governor of Gibraltar.
Contents
Becoming a Soldier
Charles Monro was the youngest son of Henry Monro and Catherine Power. He went to Sherborne School and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. These schools helped him prepare for a military career.
In 1879, Charles joined the army as a second lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment of Foot. He quickly moved up in rank. By 1881, he was a lieutenant, and in 1889, he became a captain.
He continued his training at the Staff College, Camberley from 1889 to 1890. In 1898, he became a major. He then served in different important roles.
Serving in South Africa
In 1900, Charles Monro went to South Africa to fight in the Second Boer War. He was part of the Battle of Paardeberg. During this time, he was promoted to temporary lieutenant-colonel.
After the war, in 1903, he became a permanent lieutenant-colonel. He was also put in charge of the School of Musketry. This school taught soldiers how to shoot better. In 1906, he became a colonel. A year later, he led the 13th Infantry Brigade in Dublin.
By 1910, he was a major-general. In 1912, he became the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd London Division.
World War I Service
When the First World War began in August 1914, General Monro was sent to France. He led the 2nd Division. His division played a key role in the First Battle of Ypres. People who worked with him said he had a special way of inspiring his troops.
In December 1914, he took command of I Corps. By July 1915, he was leading the Third Army. He was promoted to the permanent rank of lieutenant-general in October.
The Gallipoli Campaign
In October 1915, General Monro was sent to the Gallipoli Campaign. This was a difficult fight in Turkey. The Allied forces were stuck on the coast. Monro's job was to see what was happening and suggest what to do next.
After looking at the situation for three days, Monro advised that the troops should leave. He thought it was too dangerous to stay. The British War Secretary, Herbert Kitchener, came to see for himself. After visiting the front lines, Kitchener agreed with Monro.
Many people did not want to pull out the troops. But Monro insisted. He said that leaving would save many lives. On December 19-20, 1915, two of the main areas were evacuated. Amazingly, no soldiers were lost during this retreat. It was a very well-planned operation. The last area was evacuated in January 1916, also without any casualties. This was a huge success, as many had expected heavy losses.
Commander in India
In 1916, Monro briefly commanded the British First Army in France. Later that year, he became the Commander-in-Chief India. This was a very important job.
One of his duties was overseeing the campaign in Mesopotamia. He inspected the troops there. After his positive report, the British War Committee allowed the army to attack Baghdad. Baghdad was captured in March 1917. Monro was promoted to the full rank of general in October 1916.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1921, Charles Monro was given the title of Baronet. This is a special honor. In 1923, he became the Governor of Gibraltar. This meant he was in charge of this important British territory.
He married Mary Caroline O'Hagan in 1915. They did not have any children. Mary, Lady Monro, also received an honor for her work in 1919.
Sir Charles Monro passed away in 1929. He was buried in Brompton Cemetery in London.
Awards and Honors
British Awards
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG): 1916
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB): 1919
- Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India (GCSI): 1919
- Baronet of Bearcrofts: 1921
Other Awards
- Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour from France: 1915
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan: 1919
