James Melville Babington
| Sir James Melville Babington | |
|---|---|
| Born |
31 July 1854 Corstorphine, Scotland |
| Died | 15 June 1936 (aged 81) |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 British Army
|
| Years of service | 1873–c.1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held |
23rd Division Lowland Mounted Brigade 1st Cavalry Brigade |
| Battles/wars |
Bechuanaland Expedition Second Boer War First World War |
| Awards |
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George Mentioned in Despatches Commander of the Legion of Honour (France) Croix de guerre (France) Officer of the Military Order of Savoy (Italy) War Cross for Military Valor (Italy) |
Lieutenant General Sir James Melville Babington KCB, KCMG (31 July 1854 – 15 June 1936) was a British Army officer and a renowned leader of cavalry, making a name for himself for his actions in the Second Boer War. He was Commander of the New Zealand Defence Force and one of the most respected British generals in the First World War, in command of the 23rd Division. After the war he was Commander of the British Forces in Italy.
General Babington's image was chosen by Paul McCartney and used by the Beatles to depict the fictional "Sgt. Pepper" for the album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band" in 1967.
Babington was born in Scotland at Hanley House, Corstorphine, on the 31 July 1854 to William Babington (1826–1913) and Augusta Mary Melville (1832–1913), daughter of James Moncrieff Melville, writer to the signet. His ancestors were of the Anglo-Irish branch of the Babington family. He was a cousin to Sir Anthony Babington.
In 1873, Babington was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 16th Lancers, known as the Scarlets. From 1877 to 1880 he was Adjutant of the regiment, the future CIGS William Robertson serving in the ranks under him. In 1884 he accompanied Sir Charles Warren on the Bechuanaland Expedition, where he was "honourably mentioned". From January 1889 to July 1890, Captain Babington was Aide-de-camp to Sir Evelyn Wood when the latter was commanding at Aldershot. This post was both a liberal military education and a marked compliment to the Lancer's ability: Sir Evelyn was known to surround himself with only the most capable of officers. Returning as a major to regimental duty, Babington succeeded to the command of the 16th Lancers in 1892. From 1896 to 1899 he was Assistant Adjutant-General in India. Returning to England he was Staff Commander of the Cavalry Brigade at Aldershot.
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