Major-General Louis James Lipsett CB, CMG (14 June 1874 – 14 October 1918), was a senior officer in the British Army and Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.
He was later instrumental in developing military training and education throughout Canada and expanding the shore defences of British Columbia, in response to the threat of the German East Asian Cruiser Squadron.
Although he did not serve in any significant actions Lipsett performed his duties well, in 1901 was promoted to captain and on his return to England in 1903 was recommended to attend the Staff College, Camberley.
[5][6] In 1905 he returned to South Africa as a staff officer (deputy-assistant adjutant and quartermaster general),[7] to aid in the reconstitution of the colonial government, a task he performed until 1907, when he was posted back to his regiment.
[8] Based at Aldershot in Hampshire, Lipsett conducted both regimental business and operated as an aide-de-camp to the commander of the 2nd Division, Major General Theodore Edward Stephenson.
Lipsett recognised that there was no immediate threat to the Canadian coast and calmed fears whilst simultaneously organising the local militia forces and deploying the two submarines purchased by provincial Premier Richard McBride.
A friend recalled that as a commanding officer he was "always accessible and charming in manner, yet there was that about him which made him respected and no one ever presumed on his kindness, except the few old soldiers, who with their war ribbons up, and uncanny intuition, never failed to touch a soft spot in his heart.
[1] Lipsett, promoted to the temporary rank of major general in June,[13] soon after receiving the appointment, led his division through the worst of the campaigns in 1916, including extensive operations during the Battle of the Somme.
By the time of August 1918 he was involved in the planning and execution of an assault on German positions by the entire Canadian Corps which is known as the Battle of Amiens which was completely successful and for which he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath.