Edward Hutton (army)

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Lieutenant-General Sir Edward Thomas Henry Hutton, KCB, KCMG (1848–1923) was a British born, Canadian military commander from 1898–1901. Previous to his Canadian experience, Hutton served in New South Wales from 1893–1896.

Able, energetic, with a keen sense of publicity, Hutton delivered whirlwind of speeches, receptions, and inspections. He surveyed his command and proclaimed as his slogan, a "National Army" for Canada. Hutton published a fierce indictment of Canada's defences. His hostility to political patronage extended to civilian management of the militia's pay, stores, and engineering departments. Hutton also initiated sharp directives to militia staff officers and instructors to learn French. This produced predictable grumbling and a warm glow of appreciation from Canadien officers.

When South Africa's Second Boer War was on the horizon, Hutton lobbied Canada to participate. His aggressive tactics would eventually cost him his job. Without informing Canada's Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Hutton published mobilization plans in the Canadian Military Gazette. Laurier's government then received a letter of gratuity from Britain for its decision to aid them in the Boer region. Furious, Laurier announced Canada's refusal to send any contingents. Political pressure would, in the end, be too great and Canada would in fact play a significant role in the war, especially in the week long battle at Paardeberg between February 18–27, 1900. General Minto's intervention and orders for Hutton to report to South Africa delayed his dismissal.

In 1902, Hutton, then a major-general, became the first commander of the Australian Army. He retired in 1906, but returned in 1914 to command the British 21st Division as a lieutenant-general, until retired as medically unfit in 1915.

Military Offices
Preceded by: William Julius Gascoigne Gascoigne	General Officer Commanding the Forces Canada 1898-1900	Succeeded by: Richard Hebden O'Grady Haly