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Havilland, Geoffrey Arthur - MC

Rank : Captain

Army Number : 411964

Unit : Royal 1st Bn, Royal Depot, Royal 4/5th Bn

Biography :

Geoff Havilland was educated at Trent College. While there he came fourth in throwing the javelin at the Public Schools' Athletics Meeting in1946. At RMA Sandhurst, he was an Under Officer, played rugby for the 1st XV, and was on one of the first Edward Bear parachute courses. He was commissioned into The Royal Leicestershire Regiment on 22.7.1950. He served in 1st R Leicesters in Hong Kong and in Korea where as a 2Lt in A Company he was awarded the M.C. for his actions in Korea as a Platoon Commander at the battle of Maryang-San on 5.11.1951 during which he was badly wounded several times (L.G. 18.1.1952). Promoted Lt on 22.7.1952 and Captain on 22.7.1956. He was a very good shot with all small arms weapons, particularly the SMG and pistol, and owned his own Colt .45" revolver. Served at the Depot 1952-54, and then three years with Airborne Forces (Company Commander and then MTO in 1st Bn The Parachute Regiment 1954-56 (including in Cyprus), and on a year's exchange with the US 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina) 1954-March 57), in 1st R Leicesters as OC Training Company in 1958, as Adjutant 4/5th R Leicesters (TA) 1959-61, and with 1st R Warwicks in Hong Kong 1961-63. He retired from the Army on 10.5.1963. In civilian life from 1967-94 he worked for John Swire & Sons Ltd in Hong Kong, being General Manager of Swire Pacific Ship Management, and in London as Shipping Manager of John Swire & Sons. He was a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.
He died in 2018, aged 88 years. He was the son of Lt Col H.A.G. Havilland OBE of the Regiment.

This page was last edited on 29.1.2020.

Date of Birth : 10.5.1930

Place of Birth : Kasauli, India

Date of Death : 19.7.2018

Place of Death : Oxford

Civil Occupation : John Swire & Sons Ltd (Shipping) in Hong Kong and London

Period of Service : 1949-63

Conflicts : Korean War, Cyprus Emergency

Places Served : Hong Kong, Korea, UK, Cyprus, USA, Germany

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