16 Facts About Harry Tuzo

Harry Craufurd Tuzo was born in Bangalore, India, on 26 August 1917, the son of John Atkinson Tuzo, a British Army officer and civil engineer, and his wife Annie Catherine.

Harry Tuzo first entered the British Army on 15 July 1939 as a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, Supplementary Reserve of Officers, just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War in September.

Harry Tuzo stayed with his regiment, which in 1942 transferred to the Guards Armoured Division, engaged in coastal defence until June 1944 when they returned to France in the invasion of Normandy.

Harry Tuzo's regiment was in support of the division in Normandy where he won the Military Cross for his actions up to Operation Goodwood.

Harry Tuzo was Mentioned in Despatches on 9 August 1945, and his MC was gazetted on 22 January 1946.

Harry Tuzo received substantive promotion to captain on 1 July 1946.

Harry Tuzo had married Monica Patience Salter on 5 October 1943.

Harry Tuzo was appointed as General Officer Commanding and Director of Operations, Northern Ireland, on 2 March 1971 together with promotion to lieutenant general.

Harry Tuzo's appointment was made after the previous incumbent, Lieutenant General Vernon Erskine-Crum, suffered a heart attack.

Harry Tuzo was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath on 4 June 1971, in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

In 1972, after consultation with Whitehall, Harry Tuzo ordered Operation Motorman, which sent 30,000 troops into Republican dominated 'no-go' areas of West Belfast and Derry to take back control.

Harry Tuzo relinquished his position in Northern Ireland on 1 February 1973 and was replaced by Lieutenant General Sir Frank King.

Harry Tuzo was promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath on 2 June 1973.

Harry Tuzo was placed on the retired list on 5 February 1979.

Harry Tuzo was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk on 12 September 1983.

Harry Tuzo lived in Fakenham and was chairman of Pensthorpe Nature Reserve.