Robert Elliot Urquhart
| Robert Elliott Urquhart | |
|---|---|
Urquhart standing outside his headquarters during Operation Market Garden, September 1944.
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Roy |
| Born |
28 November 1901 London, England, United Kingdom |
| Died | 13 December 1988 (aged 87) |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 British Army
|
| Years of service | 1920–1955 |
| Rank | Major-General |
| Unit | Highland Light Infantry |
| Commands held | 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry 231st Infantry Brigade 1st Airborne Division Malaya Command |
| Battles/wars | Malayan Emergency |
| Awards |
Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Bronze Lion (Netherlands) Order of St. Olav (Norway) |
Major-General Robert Elliott "Roy" Urquhart CB, DSO (28 November 1901–13 December 1988) was a senior officer of the British Army who saw service during the Second World War and Malayan Emergency. He became prominent for his role commanding the 1st Airborne Division which fought in the Battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden.
Roy was born in London, the son of a Scottish dentist. He was educated at St Paul's School, London, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Urquhart was commissioned into the Highland Light Infantry in 1920. When stationed in Malta with his battalion, he became a friend of the actor David Niven, who recalled Urquhart in his autobiography The Moon's a Balloon, describing him as "a serious soldier of great charm and warmth" (both were commissioned in Highlands Light Infantry - Urquhart in 1920 and Niven in 1930).
Urquhart was serving in India during the early years of the Second World War. He remained there until 1941, when he was posted to North Africa before an appointment as a staff officer in the 3rd Infantry Division, serving in the United Kingdom. Thereafter, his career accelerated. Between 1941 and 1942 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and commanded the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry until 1943, when he was appointed as a staff officer in the 51st (Highland) Infantry Division, which was then stationed in North Africa. For a short time, he commanded the 231st Infantry Brigade Group, which saw action in the Allied invasion of Sicily.
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