Arthur Reginald Chater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Reginald Chater
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 7 February 1896 |
| Died | 3 January 1979 (aged 82) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Marines |
| Years of service | 1913–1948 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | Chatham Group Royal Marines (1946–48) Portsmouth Division Royal Marines (1943–44) Somaliland Camel Corps (1937–40) Sudan Camel Corps (1927–30) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Distinguished Service Order Officer of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in Despatches Croix de guerre (France) |
Major General Arthur Reginald Chater (born February 7, 1896 – died January 3, 1979) was a brave officer in the Royal Marines. He served during the First World War, the years between the wars, and the Second World War. He was known for his leadership and courage in many different parts of the world.
Contents
A Life in the Military
Arthur Chater joined the Royal Marines in 1913. This was just before the start of the First World War.
Fighting in World War I
During World War I, Chater saw a lot of action. In 1914, he fought in Antwerp, a city in Belgium. He was part of the Royal Marine Brigade.
He also fought in a major battle on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. This was in 1915. Later, in 1918, he took part in a daring attack called the Zeebrugge Raid. This was an Allied raid on a German naval base.
Between the Wars
After World War I, Chater continued his military career. He worked with the Egyptian Army and the Sudan Defence Force. He even led the Sudan Camel Corps starting in 1927.
In 1929, he was in charge of military operations in Kordofan, a region in Sudan. By 1931, he became the main Royal Marines officer at the East Indies Station. This was an important naval base.
World War II and Beyond
When the Second World War began, Chater took on new roles. From 1941, he was the Military-Governor of British Somaliland. He helped manage the evacuation of this area during a battle.
Later, in 1943, he led the Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marines. In 1944, he became the Director of Combined Operations for India and South East Asia. This meant he helped plan joint attacks by different military branches.
His work included planning for the capture of Akyab Island in Burma in 1945. He also helped with training for a planned invasion of Malaya.
Chater became the Commander of the Chatham Group of Royal Marines in 1946. He retired from the military in 1948. A road in Deal, Kent, was later named Chater Court in his honor.
Awards and Honours
Arthur Chater received many important awards for his service. These awards recognized his bravery and leadership.
- He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in January 1941.
- He received the Distinguished Service Order in July 1918 for his courage.
- He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in June 1931.
- In June 1966, he became a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
- He also received the Croix de guerre from France.
