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Roland GibbsBritish military leader, field marshal
Date of Birth: 22.06.1921
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Training
- World War II: North Africa and Italy
- Normandy and Beyond
- Post-War Career
- Command and Staff Positions
- Senior Military Appointments
- Chief of the General Staff
- Post-Military Career
- Personal Life and Recognition
Early Life and Military Training
Field Marshal Gibbs was born into a family of civil servants, with his father serving in World War I. After attending Eton College, he began his military career in 1939 with the Royal Rifle Corps.
World War II: North Africa and Italy
During World War II, Gibbs fought in North Africa, joining the 1st Armoured Division in 1941. He distinguished himself in the First Battle of El Alamein, leading his unit to repel a superior enemy force. He also played a crucial role in the Second Battle of El Alamein, which turned the tide of the campaign.
In 1943, Gibbs participated in the invasion of Italy and fought in subsequent battles until 1944. He was then recalled to England and prepared for the D-Day landings.
Normandy and Beyond
Gibbs landed in Normandy on June 7, 1944, but was wounded in action within days. He returned to battle in September and fought his way through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and West Germany.
Post-War Career
After the war, Gibbs served in various staff and training roles in Denmark, South East Asia, and England. He attended the Staff College in 1951 and the Royal Military Academy in 1949.
Command and Staff Positions
In 1954, he served in Oman and later in the Ministry of Defense. By 1960, Gibbs commanded a parachute battalion in England, which he led to Cyprus and then Bahrain.
Senior Military Appointments
From 1962, Gibbs commanded the 16th Parachute Brigade and became a Brigadier. He went on to serve as Chief of Staff of British Forces in the Middle East in 1966 and Commander of British Land Forces in the Persian Gulf in 1968.
In 1972, Gibbs became Commander of I Corps in Germany and was promoted to Lieutenant General. From 1974, he was Commander-in-Chief of the British Army and was promoted to General.
Chief of the General Staff
In 1976, Gibbs was appointed Chief of the General Staff, the highest military position in the British Army. He retired in 1979 and was simultaneously promoted to Field Marshal.
Post-Military Career
Following his retirement, Gibbs held various honorary positions, including Constable of the Tower of London from 1985 to 1990. He pursued hobbies such as hunting and painting and lived in Wiltshire until his death.
Personal Life and Recognition
Gibbs married an actress and had two sons and a daughter. He received numerous honors, including the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (1976), the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1968), and the Distinguished Service Order (1945).
