Robert Ford (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
General
Sir Robert Ford
GCB CBE
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|---|---|
| Born | 29 December 1923 Yealmpton, Devon, England |
| Died | 24 November 2015 (aged 91) Dorset, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1981 |
| Rank | General |
| Service number | 284433 |
| Unit | 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards |
| Commands held | 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards 7 Armoured Brigade Royal Military Academy Sandhurst |
| Battles/wars | World War II Palestine Emergency The Troubles |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in despatches (2) |
General Sir Robert Cyril Ford (29 December 1923 – 24 November 2015) was a high-ranking officer in the British Army. He held an important role as Adjutant-General to the Forces. A significant event known as Bloody Sunday happened while he was in charge of Land Forces in Northern Ireland.
Contents
Early Military Career
Robert Ford was born in Devon, England. He joined the Royal Armoured Corps in 1943 during World War II. He served in Europe and was recognized for his bravery. After the war, he became a permanent officer in 1946.
In 1947, he joined the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. He was sent to Palestine during a time of conflict. There, he was again recognized for his actions in 1948. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a captain in 1950 and a major in 1957.
By 1966, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. He then became the leader of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. In 1967, he became a brigadier. The next year, he took command of the 7th Armoured Brigade.
Role in Northern Ireland
In 1971, during a difficult period known as the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Brigadier Ford was put in charge of Land Forces there. He was promoted to major-general.
During his time in this role, a tragic event called Bloody Sunday occurred in Derry. Soldiers were sent to deal with a protest. A later investigation, called the Saville Report, looked into the events of that day. The report noted that his decision to use certain soldiers for arrests was open to criticism. However, it also stated that he did not know his decision would lead to soldiers firing without justification. General Ford left his command in Northern Ireland in 1973.
Later Important Roles
After his time in Northern Ireland, General Ford took on other key positions. In 1973, he became the leader of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This is a famous place where British Army officers are trained.
In 1976, he became the Military Secretary. From 1978 to 1981, he served as the Adjutant-General to the Forces. This was a very senior role in the British Army. He retired from the army in 1981.
He also served as a special aide to the Queen from 1980 to 1981. He received several important awards for his service, including the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) in 1981.
Retirement and Legacy
After retiring from the army, General Ford continued to serve in other ways. He was the Chairman of the Army Benevolent Fund from 1981 to 1987. This charity helps soldiers and their families.
He also served as the Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea during the same period. This hospital is a home for army veterans. From 1989 to 1993, he was the Vice-Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This organization looks after war graves around the world.
General Sir Robert Ford passed away on 24 November 2015, at the age of 91.
Family Life
In 1949, Robert Ford married Jean Claudia Pendlebury. They had one son. Jean passed away in 2002. In 2003, he married Caroline Margaret Peerless.
