[18] He was promoted to the local rank of major general and made Commander of the 9th Infantry Brigade on 10 February 1900,[19][20] shortly before the Relief of Kimberley.

[21] The rank of major-general was confirmed for "distinguished service in the field" in early 1901 (but dated to the initial appointment on 10 February 1900).

[26] At this time the Esher Committee chaired by Lord Esher was proposing far reaching changes to the structure of the British Army including the creation of a "blue ribbon" elite drawn strictly from the General Staff to the exclusion of Administrative Staff:[27] Douglas strongly opposed this aspect of the proposals.

[29] He took part in the funeral procession following the death of King Edward VII in May 1910[30] and, having been promoted to general on 31 October 1910,[31] became Inspector-General of Home Forces on 5 March 1912.

[33] Douglas replaced Field Marshal Sir John French as Chief of the Imperial General Staff on 6 April 1914.

[35] Douglas, who had not been in the best of health, died from strain and overwork at his home at Eaton Square in London on 25 October 1914 and was replaced by General Sir James Murray.