Gerald Lathbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Gerald Lathbury
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General Sir Gerald Lathbury, seen here as Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C), East Africa, in May 1955.
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| Nickname(s) | "Legs" |
| Born | 14 July 1906 Murree, British India |
| Died | 16 May 1978 (aged 71) Mortimer, Berkshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1926–1965 |
| Rank | General |
| Service number | 34384 |
| Unit | Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry |
| Commands held | 3rd Parachute Battalion 3rd Parachute Brigade 1st Parachute Brigade 16th Airborne Division Staff College, Camberley East Africa Command Eastern Command |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Palestine Emergency |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Member of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in despatches |
| Other work | Governor of Gibraltar |
General Sir Gerald William Lathbury (14 July 1906 – 16 May 1978) was a senior British Army officer. He was known for his bravery during the Second World War. He served with the British Army's airborne forces, which are soldiers who jump from planes. He led the 1st Parachute Brigade in important battles in Sicily, Italy, and Holland. After the war, he became the Governor of Gibraltar from 1965 to 1969.
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Early Life and Military Start
Gerald Lathbury was born in Murree, British India, on 14 July 1906. His father was also a military officer. Gerald went to school at Wellington College, Berkshire and then to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Sandhurst is a famous military academy in England.
In 1926, he became a second lieutenant in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He spent some time serving in West Africa between 1928 and 1932. Later, he attended the Staff College, Camberley to learn more about military planning. By 1938, he was a captain. In 1939, he joined the 8th Infantry Brigade. This brigade was part of the 3rd Infantry Division, which was led by Bernard Montgomery just before the Second World War began.
World War II Service
When the war started, Lathbury's division went to France. In February 1940, he became a major and joined the 48th (South Midland) Infantry Division. This division was part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). When the German Army invaded France, the BEF had to retreat to Dunkirk. Most of the soldiers were evacuated from Dunkirk by sea. Lathbury was recognized for his service during these events.
Joining the Airborne Forces
In September 1941, Lathbury became very interested in the British Army's new airborne forces. These were special units trained to parachute into battle. He became the leader of the 3rd Parachute Battalion. His battalion was part of the 1st Parachute Brigade. This brigade later joined the 1st Airborne Division. Lathbury was known for being very tall and having a deep voice. He trained his battalion very hard to prepare them for airborne missions.
In December 1942, he was promoted to brigadier and took command of the 3rd Parachute Brigade. This brigade also trained very hard. In April 1943, Lathbury was chosen to lead the 1st Parachute Brigade in North Africa.
Fighting in Sicily
Lathbury's brigade had just finished tough fighting in Tunisia. He then led them in the landings in Sicily, known as Operation Husky. His brigade's main goal was to capture the Primosole Bridge. During this battle, he was wounded in his back and legs. But he kept leading his troops until more help arrived. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
The award said:
This officer organised and led the attack by the 1st Parachute Brigade on a vital river crossing South of Catania in Sicily on the night 13th/14th July 1943. Although dropped by parachute 1.5 miles away, from a height of only 100 feet Brigadier Lathbury reached the objective, took part in its capture and directed the consolidation, during which he was wounded. Later, during a heavy counterattack by German parachutists, he remained at the bridge where he fought alongside his troops and provided an example and inspiration which contributed in no small degree to the success of the operation.
The Battle of Arnhem
Lathbury was still in charge of the 1st Parachute Brigade during the Battle of Arnhem. This battle was part of Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. On September 18, 1944, he was separated from his command. He was badly wounded in his left leg and spine. This left him temporarily unable to move.
Lathbury was left with a local Dutch family and became a prisoner of war. He pretended to be a lower-ranking soldier to hide his true identity. Later, with the help of the Dutch resistance, he escaped from the hospital where he was held. He simply walked out the front door! The Dutch resistance helped him connect with other hidden British soldiers. Lathbury then helped organize an escape across the Rhine River. On October 22, he and 137 other soldiers crossed the river to safety. They met up with American paratroopers from the U.S. 101st Airborne Division.
Lathbury's story was so inspiring that he was played by Donald Douglas in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far.
For his actions during and after Market Garden, he received the Distinguished Service Cross from the United States.
The award said:
On 17th September at Arnhem, Brigadier Lathbury commanded the 1st Parachute Brigade whose task was to seize the main road bridge in the town.
He conducted the advance of his Brigade from the Drop Zone, some 8 miles away, with great vigour until he was cut off from his Headquarters. He then took part in street fighting with one of his Battalions until he was wounded on 18th September and taken to hospital. During the night 24/25th September, seeing that those who were wounded and fit to move, were being evacuated from the hospital to Germany, Brigadier Lathbury although not fully recovered left the hospital and tried to rejoin the Division. He was unable to do this as the latter had been withdrawn to the south bank of the river that night. With the aid of the Dutch Resistance Movement he evaded capture and remained in hiding until he escaped across the river with the party which reached our lines on the 23rd October. The leadership which this officer displayed during the advance and his determination to escape capture is worthy of the highest praise.
In May 1945, Brigadier Lathbury went to Copenhagen. His job was to oversee the surrender of German forces in Denmark.
After the War
After the war, Lathbury continued his military career. He returned to command the 3rd Parachute Brigade. This brigade was part of the 6th Airborne Division. They were sent to Palestine to help with unrest there.
Back in England, he attended the Imperial Defence College in 1948. He then became the leader of the 16th Airborne Division in 1948. In 1951, he became the Commandant of the Staff College, Camberley. He continued to rise in rank and responsibility.
In 1955, he became the Commander-in-Chief of East Africa Command. Later, he was Director General of Military Training at the War Office in 1957. In 1960, he became the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command. The next year, he became the Quartermaster-General to the Forces.
Governor of Gibraltar
Finally, in 1964, he was appointed Governor of Gibraltar. He retired from this role in 1969. People described him as calm and steady, which was very helpful during a time when Gibraltar's future was uncertain.
He also served as an Aide-de-camp general to Queen Elizabeth II from 1962 to 1965. He was also the Colonel Commandant for two regiments: the 1st Green Jackets (43rd and 52nd) and the Parachute Regiment.
Family Life
In 1942, Gerald Lathbury married Jean Gordon Thin. They had two daughters. In 1972, he married Mairi Zoë Gibbs. He passed away in 1978. There are places named after him, like Lathbury Barracks in Gibraltar and Jamaica.
