Henry Sandys Ainslie

Henry Sandys Ainslie was commissioned in the Northumberland Fusiliers on 1 March 1890. His pre-war military career was relatively unusual in not containing any active service. His extra-regimental duties were confined to a period as ADC to the Governor Straits Settlements (1897–8), followed by attachment to the Malay States Guides (April 1898–January 1902).

Ainslie nevertheless rose steadily, becoming CO 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers in November 1913. He was 46. He was still in command when the European War broke out and he took his battalion to France as part of 9th Brigade, 3rd Division, in the original BEF. The toll of battalion commanders in the 1914 fighting was severe, but those in 3rd Division enjoyed something of a charmed life.[1] Ainslie retained his command until 29 May 1915 when he became GOC 18th Brigade, 6th Division, in succession to Walter Congreve, who had been promoted. Ainslie’s time as a brigade commander was short and uneventful. He fell sick on 5 August 1915 and went home.

He never returned to active service. He was CO 13th (Reserve) Battalion Worcestershire Regiment (April–August 1916), CO 46th Training Reserve Battalion (September 1916–January 1918) and a member of a Travelling Medical Board (February 1918–April 1919).

He retired from the army on 10 April 1919. As he had spent fewer than six months as a brigade commander Lieutenant-Colonel Ainslie did not qualify for the rank of Hon. Brigadier-General.

[1] Four of the 12 battalions in 3rd Division experienced no change of command in 1914.