Ian Gourlay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Ian Gourlay
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| Born | 13 November 1920 Chorlton, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 17 July 2013 (aged 92) London, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Marines |
| Years of service | 1940–1975 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Commandant General Royal Marines (1971–75) 3 Commando Brigade (1966–68) 42 Commando (1963–65) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Cyprus Emergency Suez Crisis Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
General Sir Ian Gourlay (born November 13, 1920, died July 17, 2013) was a very important officer in the Royal Marines. The Royal Marines are a special part of the British military, known for their commando skills. Sir Ian Gourlay served as the top leader of the Royal Marines, called the Commandant General Royal Marines, from 1971 to 1975. He was known for his bravery and leadership during several conflicts.
Contents
Sir Ian Gourlay's Early Life
Ian Gourlay was born on November 13, 1920, in Chorlton, England. His father was also a military officer. Ian went to a private school called Eastbourne College in Eastbourne, England.
Sir Ian Gourlay's Military Career
Ian Gourlay joined the Royal Marines as an officer in 1940. This was during the Second World War. He became a lieutenant in 1941.
World War II Service
From 1941 to 1944, Gourlay served on a large ship called HMS Formidable. This was an aircraft carrier, which is a ship that carries airplanes. He saw action in very cold places like the Arctic, and also in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1944, he became an acting captain. He then joined 43 Commando, a special unit, and fought in Yugoslavia and Italy. He was given the Military Cross award for his brave actions during a battle at Šolta in the Dalmatian Islands in 1944.
Post-War Service and Leadership
After the war, Gourlay continued to serve. In 1949, he was promoted to captain. He was recognized for his "distinguished services" during operations against terrorists in Cyprus in 1957. He also received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire award for his excellent service in the Middle East in 1956.
Gourlay took on many important leadership roles:
- In 1963, he became the commanding officer of 42 Commando.
- In 1966, he became the commander of 3 Commando Brigade.
- In 1971, he became the Commandant General Royal Marines, which is the highest position in the Royal Marines. He was promoted to lieutenant-general that year, and then to a full general in 1973.
Lord Mountbatten, a very famous military leader, said that Sir Ian Gourlay was "the best Commandant General the Royal Marines had ever had."
In 1973, Sir Ian Gourlay was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. This is a very high honor. He retired from the Royal Marines in 1975 after a long and successful career.
Sir Ian Gourlay's Later Life
After retiring from the military, Sir Ian Gourlay continued to serve in a different way. From 1975 to 1990, he was the Director-General of the United World Colleges. This organization helps students from all over the world study together to promote peace and understanding. Lord Mountbatten had encouraged him to take on this role. In 1990, he received another award, the Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, for his work with the United World Colleges.
Sir Ian Gourlay passed away on July 17, 2013.
Sir Ian Gourlay's Family Life
In 1948, Sir Ian Gourlay married Natasha Zinovieff. They had one son and one daughter. Lady Gourlay, his wife, passed away in 2018.
