Billy Key
| Berthold Wells Key | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Billy |
| Born | 19 December 1895 |
| Died | 26 September 1986 (aged 90) Sandwich, Kent |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Indian Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1949 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Unit | Sikh Regiment |
| Commands held |
Lahore District (1947–49) Rawalpindi District (1946–47) 11th Indian Division (1942) 8th Indian Infantry Brigade (1940–42) 2nd Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches (2) |
First World War
North-West Frontier
Second World War
Major General Berthold Wells "Billy" Key, CB, DSO, MC (19 December 1895 – 26 September 1986) was a British Indian Army officer.
Born on 19 December 1895, the son of Dr J.M. Key, he was educated at Dulwich College in London and commissioned onto the Unattached List of the British Army on 1 October 1914. Two months later he transferred to the British Indian Army.
Key served with the 45th Rattray's Sikhs during the First World War, reaching the rank of captain by 1918. He was wounded in Mesopotamia in 1918 and received the Military Cross. His citation for the Military Cross reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Shuraimiyah on 20th October, 1918. During a reconnaissance towards the Fathah position he was ordered to advance and secure a ridge held by the enemy. Although exposed to heavy fire the company successfully reached its objective, where he moved about fearlessly in order to make his dispositions to the best advantage. He was eventually wounded, but refused to undergo treatment until his company had been withdrawn to camp. His behaviour throughout was splendid.
In 1917 he married Aileen Leslie (died 1951), daughter of Colonel E.L. Dunsterville RE, with whom he had a son and two daughters. His son was killed in action in Italy during the Second World War.
After the First World War Key served in Afghanistan and, with the 3/11th Battalion, Sikh Regiment on the North West Frontier. In 1935 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and from 1936 he commanded the 2nd Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment. In 1937 he received the Distinguished Service Order while serving in Waziristan.
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