11 Facts About Hugh Elles

Hugh Elles served in South Africa during the latter part of the Second Boer War and then undertook regimental duty in Aldershot.

Hugh Elles served at Le Cateau, then took part in the Retreat to the Seine and the battle of the Aisne, where the Imperial German Army was halted.

Hugh Elles then moved north with the British Expeditionary Force to Flanders, taking part in the Battle of Armentieres in October 1914.

Hugh Elles was wounded during the brigades' counterattack, on 25 April 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres.

In January 1916, as a general staff officer, Hugh Elles was sent by General Sir Douglas Haig, the commander-in-chief of the BEF on the Western Front, to investigate the first tanks or "caterpillars" being built in England.

Hugh Elles attended the first trials of "Mother" and reported back to Haig on its success.

Hugh Elles was made a general staff officer, grade 1 in June 1916 and was granted the temporary rank of lieutenant colonel while holding the appointment.

Hugh Elles, promoted to brevet colonel in June 1918, continued to command the Tank Corps until Germany's surrender in November 1918.

Hugh Elles then commanded the 9th Infantry Brigade being posted to HQ Eastern Command as Chief of Staff in August 1926.

Hugh Elles retired in 1938 and was Civil Defence Commissioner for South West England during the Second World War.

Hugh Elles was married three times, his first two wives dying before him.