Richard Haking
| Richard Cyril Byrne Haking | |
|---|---|
General Sir Richard Haking
|
|
| Born |
24 January 1862 Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire |
| Died | 9 June 1945 (aged 83) |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1881–1927 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held |
1st Division XI Corps British Troops in Egypt |
| Battles/wars |
Third Anglo-Burmese War Second Boer War First World War |
| Awards |
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George |
| Other work | Armistice Commissioner |
General Sir Richard Cyril Byrne Haking GBE, KCB, KCMG (24 January 1862 – 9 June 1945) was a British general who commanded XI Corps in the First World War.
Arguments over the late release of Haking's Corps on the first day of the Battle of Loos were instrumental in forcing the resignation of Sir John French as Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). Haking is remembered chiefly for the high casualties suffered by his forces (including many Australian troops) at the second Battle of Fromelles, launched while the Battle of the Somme was underway 80 km to the south, although at least one British historian has sought to defend his reputation, regarding him as an "intelligent and capable man" unfairly maligned in the popular mythology of the war. Although blocked from further promotion he continued to command XI Corps – including in Italy in the winter of 1917–18 and in Flanders in April 1918 – until the end of the war.
Haking was probably born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, the son of a clergyman. He was commissioned into the 67th (South Hampshire) Regiment of Foot (which that year became part of the Hampshire Regiment) on 22 January 1881.
Haking saw active service in Burma 1885-7, and was promoted captain in 1889. He studied at Staff College 1896-7. He was promoted major in 1899. After serving in the Boer War, he returned to Staff College, first as a lecturer 1901-4, then as Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General (DAAG) 1904-6.
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