Rupert Smith was a senior commander during the Gulf War, for which he was recognised with the award of the Distinguished Service Order, and again during the Bosnian War, for which he was recognised with the award of a bar to his DSO.
16 Facts About Rupert Smith
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Rupert Smith's father was a New Zealand fighter ace in the Battle of Britain who later led No 487 Squadron RNZAF before rising to group captain in the service of the Royal Air Force.
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Rupert Smith was educated at the Haileybury and Imperial Service College and later at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
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Rupert Smith enlisted in 1962 and graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was commissioned as a second lieutenant into the Parachute Regiment in December 1964.
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Rupert Smith has served in East and South Africa, Arabia, the Caribbean, Northern Ireland, Europe and Malaysia.
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Rupert Smith was promoted lieutenant in June 1966, captain in December 1970, and major in December 1975.
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In June 1980 Rupert Smith was promoted to lieutenant colonel and, having been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 1982 New Year Honours, was advanced in June 1985 to colonel.
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In October 1990 Rupert Smith was promoted major general and assumed command of the 1st Armoured Division which he led during the Gulf War.
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Major General Rupert Smith has led the largest British armoured force deployed in action since World War II.
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Rupert Smith has done so with consummate skill and outstanding personal leadership and under direct enemy fire.
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Rupert Smith was given a two Brigade Division with exceptionally strong artillery and engineer support.
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Rupert Smith personally led from the front with fearless disregard for the enemy anti tank fire, and despite the high threat of chemical weapons being used.
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Major General Rupert Smith has led the major British land force operations on Operation Granby with a level of skill and personal bravery that is a credit to our nation.
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Rupert Smith became the first Assistant Chief of Defence Operations and Security at the UK Ministry of Defence in August 1992.
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Rupert Smith was appointed Honorary Colonel of Exeter University OTC in June 2003 having held periods of tenure as Colonel Commandant Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and Colonel Commandant The Parachute Regiment.
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Rupert Smith held the appointment of Aide-de-Camp General to the Queen between August 2000 and November 2001.