GOURLAY, Basil Ian Spencer

Title: 
Sir
Rank: 
General
Unit / Base: 
43RM Commando
'42 Commando RM'
'45 Commando RM'
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Basil Ian Spencer Gourlay, RM Commando
Acting Captain Basil Gourlay, 43 RM Commando, was awarded the Military Cross in WWII. Post war service included 45 Commando RM 1945-1948, Brigade Major 3 Cdo. Bde., RM 1955-1957; OC 42 Commando RM 1963-1965; Commandant General RM 1971-75.
  • 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 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 41092, page 3416.
[4]  London Gazette 40987, page 654.
[5] London Gazette 45984, page 6474.
[6] London Gazette 51981, page 4.
[Image] CVA Gallery image (cropped) from Jeff Gordon.
[Obituary] Navy News published on Nov 1, 2013.
 

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries [register now]
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive to add information or photos via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.