Lieutenant-Colonel Angus Falconer Douglas-Hamilton VC was born on
August 20th, 1863, in Brighton, England, to Maj.-Gen. Octavius Douglas-Hamilton
and Katherine Augusta Westenra Macleod. Inheriting a family
tradition of military service, he received his commission into the
Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders in 1884 after graduating from
Sandhurst.
Douglas-Hamilton's early career saw him deployed
across the globe, serving with distinction in the Sudan Expedition
(1884-1886), Gibraltar, Malta, South Africa, North China, and India.
He rose through the ranks, eventually attaining the rank of Major in
the 79th Cameron Highlanders.
By 1912, Douglas-Hamilton had
retired from active service and settled in St Mary's, Weirbank,
Melrose, Scotland. However, the outbreak of World War I in 1914
brought him back to the military as part of the reserve list of
officers. In November of that year, he was appointed to command the
newly formed 6th (Service) Battalion of the Cameron Highlanders.
In September 1915, Douglas-Hamilton's battalion found itself
embroiled in the brutal Battle of Loos, France. During the fighting
on Hill 70, on September 25th and 26th, the battalions flanking the
Camerons retreated. Despite this setback, Douglas-Hamilton displayed
remarkable courage and leadership. He rallied his battalion
repeatedly, leading them forward in four separate offensives. The
final charge saw him at the head of a depleted force of just 50 men.
Tragically, Douglas-Hamilton was killed in action during this final
assault.
Lieutenant-Colonel Angus Falconer Douglas-Hamilton's
actions at Loos were recognized with the highest military honor –
the Victoria Cross. The citation for his VC commended him for "most
conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" in holding the line
against enemy advances. His bravery and leadership were instrumental
in preventing a breakthrough by German forces.
Douglas-Hamilton left behind a wife, Anna Watson
Mackenzie, whom he had married in 1894. He is commemorated on the
Loos Memorial in France, where his sacrifice is remembered alongside
countless others who fell during the Great War. Lieutenant-Colonel
Angus Falconer Douglas-Hamilton VC stands as a testament to the
unwavering courage and selflessness displayed by those who served in
the First World War.
News Report
The remains of a lost First World War hero who won the Victoria
Cross may have been found almost 100 years after he was killed
defending British lines on the western front.
Lieutenant-Colonel Angus Douglas-Hamilton led four counterattacks
against a German advance at the Battle of Loos, before he was killed
leading his last 50 men on September 26, 1915. He was 52. If
battlefield remains are confirmed as his, it would be the first
identification of a VC winner in living memory, according to Diddy
Grahame, of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association. (The
Times; 2013)
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