George Lea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir George Lea
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|---|---|
| Born | 28 December 1912 Franche, Worcestershire |
| Died | 27 December 1990 (aged 77) Saint Brélade, Jersey |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1925–1965 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Service number | 58226 |
| Unit | Lancashire Fusiliers Parachute Regiment Royal Regiment of Fusiliers |
| Commands held | 11th Battalion, Parachute Regiment 2nd Infantry Brigade< 42nd (Lancashire) Division/District |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Malayan Emergency Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Member of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in dispatches |
Sir George Harris Lea (born December 28, 1912 – died December 27, 1990) was a brave British Army officer. He reached the high rank of Lieutenant-General. Sir George fought in important battles during the Second World War. One famous battle he was part of was the Battle of Arnhem. Later in his career, he became the head of the British Defence Staff in Washington, D.C.. This was a very important job, helping to connect the British and American armed forces.
Contents
Sir George Lea's Military Journey
Sir George Lea's journey in the army began when he was young. He went to Charterhouse School and then to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is where many British army officers get their training. In 1933, he officially joined the Lancashire Fusiliers regiment.
World War II and Beyond
During the Second World War, Sir George played a key role. He was a major in the 4th Parachute Brigade. Later, he became the commanding officer of the 11th Battalion, Parachute Regiment.
He was involved in a major operation called Operation Market Garden. This was a large airborne attack in 1944. During this time, he was captured and became a prisoner of war.
Post-War Service and Leadership
After the war, Sir George continued his military education. He attended the Staff College, Camberley. In 1955, he took command of the Special Air Service, also known as the SAS. This is a very famous special forces unit. He saw action again while serving in Malaya.
Sir George held many important leadership roles. In 1957, he commanded the 2nd Infantry Brigade. He then became a deputy military secretary in 1960. In 1962, he led the 42nd (Lancashire) Division/District of the Territorial Army.
International Commands
His career also took him to different parts of the world. In 1963, he was put in charge of the armed forces in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. These are now the countries of Zambia and Malawi.
In 1965, he became the director of operations in Borneo. This was during a conflict known as the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. He was involved just before a major battle at Plaman Mapu. His final job was as the head of the British Defence Staff in Washington, D.C. in 1967. He retired from the army in 1970.
Life After the Army
After retiring from his long military career, Sir George Lea took on another special role. He became the Lieutenant of the Tower of London. This is an important ceremonial position at the historic Tower of London.
