GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer
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Title:
Sir
Rank:
General
Unit / Base:
43RM Commando
'42 Commando RM'
'45 Commando RM'
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Honours & Awards:
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross whilst serving with 43RM Commando in WW2.
Post war he served in 45 Commando Royal Marines 1945-1948, Brigade Major 3 Commando Bde Royal Marines 1955-1957; OC 42 Commando Royal Marines 1963-1965, ultimately being appointed Commandant General Royal Marines from 1971-75 after which he retired.
- M.C. (A/Captain 43RM Commando) for gallantry, zeal and skill during the attack on Sarande and the seizure of the Island of Solta. [1 +2].
- O.B.E. (Military Division) (Major, 3 Commando Bde. RM) in recognition of distinguished services in the Operations in the Near East, October to December, 1956 [3].
- MiD (Major, 3 Commando Bde. RM) for distinguished services in operations against terrorists in Cyprus [4].
- K.C.B. (Military Division) (Lieutenant General) 2nd June 1973 [5].
- C.V.O. ( 1990 New Years Honours ) [6].
Sources
[1] London Gazette Supp.37013, page 1791.
[2] Navy Lists, October 1944 Volume 2 Page 1103/4 (pages 259/260 on N.L.S. website page list)
[3] London Gazette Supp. 41092, page 3416.
[4] London Gazette Supp. 40987, page 654.
[1] London Gazette Supp.37013, page 1791.
[2] Navy Lists, October 1944 Volume 2 Page 1103/4 (pages 259/260 on N.L.S. website page list)
[3] London Gazette Supp. 41092, page 3416.
[4] London Gazette Supp. 40987, page 654.
[5] London Gazettes Supp. 45984, page 6474.
[6] London Gazette Supp. 51981, page 4.
[Image] CVA Gallery image (cropped) from Jeff Gordon.
[Obituary] Navy News published on Nov 1, 2013.
Photo of Commando in Gallery:
Yes
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