General Sir Henry Charles Loyd, GCVO, KCB, DSO, MC, DL (12 February 1891 – 11 November 1973), nicknamed "Budget Loyd",[2] was a senior British Army officer who fought in both the world wars, most notably during the Second World War as General Officer Commanding of the 2nd Infantry Division during the Battle of France in May 1940.
Promoted to captain in July 1915,[5] he was wounded in action four times, thrice mentioned in despatches, including on 1 January 1918,[6] awarded the Distinguished Service Order,[7] the Military Cross in 1915,[8] and the French Croix de guerre.
The great, personal bravery of Captain Loyd, his skilful organisation, and inspiriting example to those around him were largely instrumental in bringing about the success of his company.
[16] When the war did arrive Loyd's division, comprising the 4th, 5th and 6th Infantry Brigades and supporting units, was soon sent to France, where it formed part of Lieutenant General Sir John Dill's I Corps of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF).
[18] Shortly afterwards, in June, Loyd succeeded Major General Henry Willcox as Director of Infantry at the War Office in London.
[16][11] Knighted the following year, his last appointment was as Major-General commanding the Brigade of Guards and GOC London District in March 1944, a post which he held until he retired from the army, after the war, in 1947, after receiving a promotion to full general in 1946.