Charles Foulkes

General Charles Foulkes, CC, CB, CBE, DSO, CD 3 January 1903 – 12 September 1969

Charles Foulkes was born in Stockton-on-Tees, England, and grew up in Canada. He joined The Royal Canadian Regiment in 1926 and built his career as a professional infantry officer. During the Second World War, he rose from major to lieutenant-general, serving in staff appointments and brigade command before taking command of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division in January 1944. He led the division in Northwest Europe and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his service in that theatre. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum⁠.

In November 1944, Foulkes assumed command of I Canadian Corps in Italy. He led the corps during the difficult winter campaign before its transfer to Northwest Europe in early 1945, where it joined the final operations to liberate the Netherlands. His Italian service brought appointment as a Companion of the Order of the Bath. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum⁠.

On 5 May 1945, Foulkes met German commander Johannes Blaskowitz at the Hotel de Wereld in Wageningen, with Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands present. Following the broader German capitulation accepted by Field Marshal Montgomery, Foulkes presented the orders governing the surrender of German forces in the Netherlands. The implementing document was signed on 6 May, although dated 5 May. His role in these events established an enduring connection between his name and Dutch liberation. Liberation Route Europe⁠.

After the war, Foulkes became Chief of the General Staff. In 1951, he was promoted to general and appointed the first Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. He held that position until retiring in 1960, becoming a central figure in Canada’s military leadership during the early Cold War. Beechwood biography⁠.

Appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada in December 1968, Foulkes received recognition for a lifetime of national service. He died in Ottawa on 12 September 1969, aged 66. The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum⁠, biographical record⁠.