Background
Born on 19 December 1895, he was the son of Doctor J.M. Key.
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Berchtold Key
Edit ProfileEducation
Key was educated at Dulwich College in London and commissioned onto the Unattached List for the Indian army on 1 October 1914.
Career
On 18 December 1914 he joined the Indian Army. First World War
Foreign 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He was eventually wounded, but refused to undergo treatment until his company had been withdrawn to camp.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.
Between the Wars
Second World War
He was appointed temporary Deputy Military Secretary, India from 21 December 1939 to 17 August 1940. From 18 August 1940 to 13 January 1942 he commanded the Indian 8th Infantry Brigade in Malaya.
Key"s Brigade were the first British troops to face the Japanese when they invaded Malaya in December 1941.
When Major-General Murray-Lyon was dismissed from command of the Indian 11th Infantry Division Key replaced Brigadier Paris as commander of the division. He proved an able commander but the situation in Malaya was at this point beyond salvaging and the British Army under Percival surrendered at Singapore on 15 February 1942 to a numerically smaller Japanese force. Key spent the remainder of the war as a Prisoner of War in Japan.
Post War
On his release Key became Aide-de-Camp to King George VI followed by district commands in India.
He was promoted substantive Major-General 20 January 1947, with seniority 2 April 1944. He retired in January 1949.
Major General Billy Key died in Sandwich, Kent, on 26 September 1986.
Achievements
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Born
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Died
September 26, 1986 (aged 90) -
Nationality
United Kingdom