VAN DER HORST, Richard Evert
Primary tabs
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Marines
Service:
Royal Navy
Number:
N028003Q
Born:
Wednesday, September 21, 1966
Died :
Monday, March 14, 2005
Died in service
Age:
38
Cemetery/Memorial:
Local Roll of Honour:
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Evert van der Horst OBE, Officer Commanding the Special Boat Service, died on the 14th March 2005 after a diving accident on the 7th March during an amphibious exercise off Norway.
Service
- 1984 joined the Royal Marines as a university cadet entrant and passed out in 1988 with the Sword of Honour.
- 1988 appointed to 45 Commando Group and commanded a rifle troop and a mortar troop with operational tours in Northern Ireland and Iraq, and deployments to Norway and the Carribean.
- 1991 completed Special Forces selection and saw service in the Far East, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America.
- 11 July 1995 awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the field.
- 1999, after completing a Masters degree at the JSCSC, Group Operations Officer, United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) Headquarters.
- 2000 promoted Lieutenant Colonel.
- 2003 UKSF Liaison Officer to the US Central Command and Deputy Director of Operations during the Gulf War.
- 2003 Chief of Staff, HQ 3 Commando Brigade RM.
- Appointed O.B.E.,(Military Division), in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in operations in Iraq during the period 19th March to 19th April 2003.
- November 2004 Commanding Officer of the SBS.
A brave determined and inspiring leader who was greatly respected wherever he served.
Extract from Commando Association Newsletter 87 issued Sept. 1988
At a recent passing out parade at Royal Marines, Lympston, Richard Van Der Horst was awarded the Sword of Honour as the 'Outstanding Young Officer in Training' of the 1987 entry. Comrades will be pleased to learn that there is a strong Army Commando connection here.
Richard's grandfather was Captain Richard Broome [more....]; his great uncle Captain Joe Houghton MC [more....]; and his step grandfather is Lieutenant (now Doctor) John Roderick MC [more....], all of 2 Commando.
Sources
AFM ROH
Navy News issue 1st June 2005
Commendation - London Gazette 54212, page 15370.
O.B.E. - London Gazette 57100, page 10.
Primary Roll of Honour:
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