Glyn Gilbert facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Glyn Gilbert
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|---|---|
| Born | 15 August 1920 |
| Died | 26 September 2003 (aged 83) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1939-1974 |
| Rank | Major-General |
| Commands held | 44th Parachute Brigade 3rd Division |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Military Cross |
Major General Glyn Charles Anglim Gilbert CB MC (born August 15, 1920 – died September 26, 2003) was a brave British military officer. He fought in the Second World War. In 1970, he became the highest-ranking Bermudian officer in the British Army. He was a very important leader.
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Early Life and Training
Glyn Gilbert was born in England. However, his family had lived in Bermuda since the 1600s! His father, Major Charles Gray Gosling Gilbert, was a well-known educator in Bermuda. A school, the Gilbert Institute, is even named after him.
Glyn grew up in Bermuda. He then went to Eastbourne College in England for school. Just before the Second World War began, he returned to Bermuda briefly. He then enrolled at the Royal Military College in Sandhurst, England. This is a famous place where army officers are trained.
The training for his class was sped up because of the war. Gilbert soon became an officer in the Lincolnshire Regiment. This regiment had a special connection with the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps.
Serving in the Second World War
In 1944, Major Gilbert was a company commander in the 2nd Lincolns. He was one of only two Bermudians to land on the beaches of Normandy during D-Day. This was a huge invasion to free Europe from Nazi control.
He later earned the Military Cross medal for his bravery. This happened during a difficult crossing of the Escaut Canal. This was part of a bigger plan to cross the Rhine River. A very famous general, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, personally gave him the medal.
Gilbert finished the war in Northern Germany. His unit helped capture the city of Bremen. He was one of four Bermudians in the Lincolnshire Regiment who became a Major during the war.
After the War: A Distinguished Career
After the Second World War, Gilbert joined the Parachute Regiment. He served in Palestine for a time. He moved through many different roles and eventually became the Regimental Colonel of the Parachute Regiment in 1962.
In this role, he made important changes. He helped create a special battle training course for non-commissioned officers (NCOs). This training later became a must for all infantry soldiers. He also helped create the Red Devils parachute display team. This team performs amazing parachute jumps.
Gilbert was later promoted to Brigadier General. He commanded the Territorial Army's 44th Parachute Brigade. In 1967, he became the Commandant of the School of Infantry. This is where soldiers learn how to fight. He even hosted the Queen when she visited the school!
In 1970, he was promoted to Major-General. This made him the highest-ranking Bermudian officer at the time. He then commanded the 3rd Division before retiring from the army in 1974.
Gilbert also helped a lot with the Royal Bermuda Regiment. This is Bermuda's own local army unit. He made recommendations to increase its size and strength. This helped the regiment become more effective.
Private Life
In 1943, Glyn Gilbert married Heather Mary Jackson. They had three sons and one daughter. One of their sons, Graham Gilbert, also became a Major.
After retiring, Gilbert continued to live in Heytesbury. He enjoyed "following the sun," which meant traveling to warm places. His wife passed away in 2000. Glyn Gilbert himself died in 2003, at the age of 83.
See also
