William Dobbie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir William Dobbie
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| Born | 12 July 1879 Madras, British India |
| Died | 3 October 1964 (aged 85) Kensington, London |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1899–1942 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Service number | 6205 |
| Unit | Royal Engineers |
| Commands held | Governor of Malta (1940–42) Malaya Command (1935–39) School of Military Engineering (1933–35) Cairo Brigade (1928–32) |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Mentioned in Despatches Knight of the Legion of Honour (France) Officer of the Order of Leopold (Belgium) |
Sir William George Shedden Dobbie (born July 12, 1879 – died October 3, 1964) was a brave British Army officer. He served in three major wars: the Second Boer War, the First World War, and the Second World War. He is best known for leading the defense of Malta during World War II.
Contents
Growing Up and Becoming a Soldier
William Dobbie was born in Madras, British India. His father worked for the government. When William was very young, his parents sent him to England. They wanted him to get a good education.
At 13, William won a scholarship to Charterhouse School. He was a top student in classical studies. He also loved learning about old military battles. After school, he went to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. This school trained future army officers. He then joined the Royal Engineers as a second lieutenant in 1899.
Early Military Career
Fighting in the Boer War
William Dobbie joined the Second Boer War in South Africa in 1901. He became a lieutenant in 1902. During the war, he was injured. He returned to the United Kingdom after the fighting ended. Later, he felt that this war was not fair.
After the war, he was stationed in Chatham. He became a captain in 1908. From 1911 to 1912, he studied at the Staff College, Camberley. This college trains officers for important leadership roles.
World War I Service
Dobbie received the Knight of the Legion of Honour award in 1914. This is a high honor from France. He was also given the Distinguished Service Order in 1916 for his bravery. He was promoted to major in 1916.
During the First World War, Dobbie had an important job. He was the officer on duty in November 1918. He signed the telegram that told all troops to stop fighting. This telegram ended the war. He later joked that he "stopped the bloody thing!" After the war, he received another award, the Officer of the Order of Leopold, from Belgium.
Between the World Wars
After World War I, Dobbie continued to rise in rank. He became a colonel in 1926. In 1928, he led the Cairo Brigade as a brigadier. He was recognized for his service in 1930.
In 1933, he became a major general. He was put in charge of the School of Military Engineers. From 1935 to 1939, he was the General Officer Commanding for Malaya Command. This was an important role in Southeast Asia.
Leading in World War II
Becoming Governor of Malta
After his time in Malaya, Dobbie was supposed to retire. The army thought he was too old for more active duty. But when Second World War started in 1939, he wanted to serve again.
In April 1940, he met Edmund Ironside. Ironside was a top army leader. He offered Dobbie the job of Governor of Malta. This meant Dobbie would also be the Commander-in-chief of Malta. He accepted and became a lieutenant general. He was also knighted in 1941.
Defending Malta
When Dobbie arrived in Malta, the island was in danger. Italy was close by and could easily attack. There were only a few planes to defend Malta. Many people doubted if Malta could be held. But Dobbie believed in its importance.
On the day Italy declared war, Dobbie spoke to the soldiers. He told them that Britain would fight until their enemies were defeated. He said, "With God's help we will maintain the security of this fortress." He asked all soldiers to seek God's help and do their duty.
Dobbie was a very religious man. His strong faith helped the people of Malta. They were mostly Catholic, and they respected his belief. An admiral said Dobbie's calm faith helped keep everyone's spirits up.
Over the next two years, Malta became very important. It helped stop German supply lines in North Africa. In early 1942, the German air force bombed Malta heavily. There were 500 air raids in two months. More bombs were dropped on Malta than on Coventry during the Coventry Blitz.
Malta faced many challenges. Two attempts to bring supplies failed. New Spitfire planes were destroyed on the ground. Dobbie was exhausted and unwell from the constant stress. In May 1942, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the island of Malta for its bravery. Dobbie was replaced by Viscount Gort. Dobbie himself received another high honor, the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Later Life and Family
William Dobbie was married to Sybil Orde-Browne. They had a daughter, also named Sybil. They also had two sons, Arthur and Orde. Arthur was also in the Royal Engineers and died in 1944.
Dobbie was a member of the Plymouth Brethren, a Protestant Christian group. He was also on the Board of Governors for Monkton Combe School.
Sir William Dobbie passed away on October 3, 1964, at the age of 85. He was buried in Charlton Cemetery in London. His wife and other family members are also buried there.
Dobbie's Ideas About Singapore
In 1936, Dobbie was stationed in Singapore. He wondered if more soldiers were needed in Malaya. This was to stop Japan from landing there and attacking Singapore. His chief staff officer, Percival, studied this problem. Percival's report in 1937 confirmed that northern Malaya could be a base for Japan to attack Singapore.
Both Dobbie and Percival believed that Singapore could not defend itself alone. Its safety depended on defending mainland Malaya. In 1938, Dobbie wrote to his superiors. He said, "An attack from the northward is the greatest potential danger to the Fortress (Singapore)." He believed that even the thick jungle would not stop infantry.
Dobbie also thought an attack could happen between November and March. This was during the monsoon season. People used to think the monsoon would protect them. But Dobbie noted that 5,000 people had been smuggled in during this time. He realized the monsoon could actually help invaders by providing cloud cover.
Famous Sayings and Beliefs
Sir William Dobbie was known for his strong faith and memorable quotes.
- Reverend Daniel A. Poling said in 1943: "Never before in any comparable area, have I found so many ranking executives giving so much attention to religion."
- Prime Minister Churchill described Dobbie as "a Governor of outstanding character." He said Dobbie's leadership and religious passion reminded him of General Gordon.
- Lord Louis Mountbatten noted that Dobbie would "pray aloud after dinner." He would ask God for help in defeating their enemies.
- Mabel Strickland, a Maltese newspaper owner, recalled Dobbie's evening prayers. She said he would pray for God to bless the supply ships. But he never prayed for the bombing to stop, believing it was God's will.
- When Dobbie was in Palestine in 1928, there were riots. He joked about the fighting schedule: "This will be the easiest war... We will have to fight only four days a week. The Arabs won't fight on Friday, the Jews on Saturday and Dobbie certainly won't on Sunday."
- In 1929, Dobbie wrote a note for British soldiers in Palestine. It was put into New Testaments given to them. He wrote: "You are stationed at the place where the central event in human history occurred – namely the crucifixion of the Son of God... It was for your sake the Son of God died on the cross here. The realisation of this fact cannot but produce a radical change in one's life."
