Geoffrey Bourne, Baron Bourne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Bourne
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Geoffrey Bourne in 1948
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| Born | 5 October 1902 Kensington, London, England |
| Died | 26 June 1982 (aged 79) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1923–1960 |
| Rank | General |
| Service number | 23643 |
| Unit | Royal Artillery |
| Commands held | Imperial Defence College (1958–60) Middle East Land Forces (1957–58) Malaya Command (1954–56) Eastern Command (1953–54) 16th Airborne Division (1951–52) British Forces Berlin (1949–51) 5th Indian Infantry Division (1946) 152nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery (1944) 21st Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery (1942) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George Silver Star (United States) Legion of Merit (United States) |
General Geoffrey Kemp Bourne, Baron Bourne (born October 5, 1902 – died June 26, 1982) was an important officer in the British Army. He served his country for many years.
Contents
Military Career Highlights
Geoffrey Bourne started his military journey in 1923. He joined the Royal Artillery, a part of the army that uses large guns.
Early Service and Roles
He served in different places around the world. From 1930 to 1932, he was in Hong Kong. He then moved to Gibraltar from 1933 to 1934.
Bourne also studied at the Staff College, Camberley in 1935 and 1936. This college trains officers for important leadership roles. Later, he worked at the War Office in London from 1938 to 1939.
World War II Service
During the Second World War, Bourne played a key role. He helped plan military actions between 1939 and 1941. In 1942, he worked with a special team in Washington, D.C., USA.
In 1944, he led the 152nd (Ayrshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. This unit fought in Italy. He also worked with the Airborne Corps in Belgium.
Post-War Leadership
After the war, Bourne continued to serve in high-ranking positions. From 1945 to 1946, he commanded the 5th Indian Division in Java.
He then worked at the Imperial Defence College in 1947. This college trains senior military officers. In 1948, he led the British team in Burma.
From 1949 to 1951, he was in charge of the British area in Berlin. He then commanded the 16th Airborne Division from 1951 to 1953.
Senior Commands and Retirement
Geoffrey Bourne held several top commands. He was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief for Eastern Command from 1953 to 1954. He then led the forces in Malaya from 1954 to 1956.
In 1957, he became Commander-in-Chief of the Middle East Land Forces. From 1958 to 1959, he was the leader of the Imperial Defence College. He retired from the army in 1960.
He also served as a special aide to The Queen in 1959 and 1960. He was also a Colonel Commandant for the Royal Artillery and an Honorary Colonel for the Parachute Regiment.
Personal Life and Honors
Geoffrey Bourne married Agnes Evelyn Thompson in 1928. They had a son, Michael, and a daughter.
He received several important awards for his service. These included:
- Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George
- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
In 1964, he was given a special title. He became a life peer with the name Baron Bourne. This meant he could sit in the House of Lords, a part of the UK Parliament.
