11 Facts About Ian Gourlay

Ian Gourlay was educated at Eastbourne College, a private school in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Ian Gourlay's commission was confirmed on 20 January 1942 and he was given seniority in the rank of lieutenant from 14 June 1941.

Ian Gourlay was awarded the Military Cross for his actions fighting at Solta in the Dalmatian Islands in 1944.

Ian Gourlay was appointed commanding officer of 42 Commando in 1963, Colonel on the General Staff of the Commandant General Royal Marines in 1965, and commander of 3 Commando Brigade in 1966.

Ian Gourlay went on to be Commander, Training Group Royal Marines in 1968 and Commandant General Royal Marines in 1971, with promotion to lieutenant-general on 1 November 1971, and to full general on 1 November 1973.

Ian Gourlay was described by Lord Mountbatten, who had been Colonel Commandant of the Royal Marines, as "the best Commandant General the Royal Marines had ever had".

Ian Gourlay was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in the 1973 Birthday Honours, and retired from the Royal Marines on 9 June 1975.

In retirement, Ian Gourlay became Director-General of the United World Colleges, serving from 1975 to 1990.

Ian Gourlay had been convinced to take up the position by Lord Mountbatten during the end of his time in the Royal Marines.

Ian Gourlay was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the 1990 New Year Honours in recognition of his services in the role.

In 1948, Ian Gourlay married Natasha Zinovieff; they had one son and one daughter.