David Haig-Thomas

David Haig-Thomas (1 December 1908 – 6 June 1944) was a British ornithologist, wildlife photographer, explorer and rower who competed for Great Britain in the 1932 Summer Olympics. He was an army commando during the Second World War, and was killed in action during the Normandy Landings. Haig-Thomas Island in the Canadian Arctic is named after him. Biography Haig-Thomas was born in London and educated at Eton College and St John's College, Cambridge. In 1930, 1931 and 1932 he was bowman of the winning Cambridge boats in the Boat Race. He was also the bow of the eight that came fourth rowing for Great Britain at the 1932 Summer Olympics, and rowing correspondent of the Daily Mail. Haig-Thomas married Nancy Catherine Bury, daughter of Major Lindsay Edward Bury. They had two sons. Initially a hunter with catapult and gun, he became an ornithologist and took up bird photography. His articles and photographs were published in Country Life and The Field.