Angus Falconer Douglas Hamilton

He led his battalion forward in four assaults under gunfire.

Angus Falconer Douglas-Hamilton was born on August 20, 1863. He trained at Sandhurst and began his Army career in 1884, serving with the Cameron Highlanders in the Sudan and later at several overseas stations. Promoted captain in 1892 and major in 1901, he retired in 1912. The outbreak of the First World War brought him back from the Reserve of Officers. In October 1914 he became temporary lieutenant-colonel and commanding officer of the 6th Battalion, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. The battalion went to France in July 1915 with the 15th Scottish Division.

During the Battle of Loos on September 25-26,1915, Douglas-Hamilton’s battalion fought around Hill 70. As neighbouring battalions fell back, he repeatedly rallied his men and led them forward. Four times he led an advance against the enemy, continuing despite mounting losses. On the final occasion he led the small remnant of his battalion and was killed at its head. His courage and leadership helped check the German advance.

The Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously and announced on November 18,1915. His body was not recovered, and he is commemorated on the Loos Memorial. His medal group passed to the Queen’s Own Highlanders Museum at Fort George in 1965.

Official Victoria Cross citation — The London Gazette, 18 November 1915, page11447

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when commanding his battalion during operations on 25th and 26th September, 1915, on Hill 70.

On the 26th, when the battalions on his right and left had retired, he rallied his own battalion again and again, and led his men forward four times. The last time he led all that remained, consisting of about fifty men, in a most gallant manner and was killed at their head.

It was mainly due to his bravery, untiring energy and splendid leadership that the line at this point was enabled to check the enemy’s advance.