TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Templer, Gerald Walter Robert "Tiger of Malaya"

    Date of birth:
    September 11th, 1898 (Colchester/Essex, United Kingdom)
    Date of death:
    October 25th, 1979 (Chelsea/London, United Kingdom)
    Service number:
    15307
    Nationality:
    British (1801-present, Kingdom)

    Biography

    Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

    Rank:
    Captain
    Awarded on:
    November 6th, 1936
    "For gallant and distinguished services rendered in connection with the emergency operations in Palestine during the period 15th April to 14th September, 1936."
    Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
    Rank:
    Captain
    Awarded on:
    1936
    Mentioned in Dispatches
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Lieutenant-Colonel
    Unit:
    Military Intelligence, GHQ, British Expeditionary Force (BEF), British Army
    Awarded on:
    July 11th, 1940
    "His work during the operations first as GSO i I b and c, and then as GSO1 MACFORCE was outstanding and indefatigable.

    In the former capacity he dealt extremely efficiently and rapidly with the many urgent problems attending our entry into Belgium. The efficiency and our military and civil security was due to the thoroughness with which he had previously trained and organised his Intelligence Sections, and to the example of tireless energy which he set them.

    In the latter capacity he was GSO I of a Force at times of upwards of a Division without clerical staff or communications. His work throughout during a period when the Force was ona front of over 25 miles on the SCARPE and during the operations at NIEPPE and CASSEL was quite outstanding. His coolness and drive were a fine example to all and his successful Staff work under conditions of quite exceptional difficulty was most remarkable. He proved himself a very fine soldier and Staff Officer."
    Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Lieutenant-Colonel
    Unit:
    Military Intelligence, GHQ, British Expeditionary Force (BEF), British Army
    Awarded on:
    July 26th, 1940
    Mentioned in Dispatches
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Major-General
    Unit:
    Headquarters, 56th (London) Infantry Division, British Army
    Awarded on:
    August 24th, 1944

    Recommended for a CBE.
    Companion of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Temporary Major-General
    Unit:
    Civil Affairs, Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army
    Awarded on:
    November 8th, 1945
    Mentioned in Dispatches
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Major-General
    Unit:
    Headquarters, 56th (London) Infantry Division, British Army
    Awarded on:
    October 17th, 1946
    "Major General G.W.R. Templer, Late Royal Irish Fusiliers, British Army, From 13 October 1943 to 10 March 1944, General Templer, as Commander of the 56th (London) Division, operated in close association with other units of the United States Fifth Army in Italy. He brilliantly planned and ably executed a series of attacks to drive the enemy from the area between the Volturno and Garigliano Rivers on the western flank of the Fifth Army. Later, during the period of the heaviest German counterattacks, he led his division in the successful defense of a vital sector of the beachhead at Anzio. His vigorous leadership inspired his men to fight with sustained aggressiveness and determination in the face of a numerically superior enemy, unfavorable weather, and difficult terrain. In all engagements, he formulated and effected his operations in a manner noteworthy for sound tactical judgment, vigorous leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit. His accomplishments have provided a vital contribution to operations by the Fifth Army."
    Legion of Merit - Commander (LoM - C)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Major-General
    Unit:
    Civil Affairs, Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army
    Awarded on:
    October 17th, 1946
    Grootofficier in de Orde van Oranje Nassau (ON.2)
    "Major-General TEMPLER has been Director of Civil Affairs, 21 Army Group, during the liberation of HOLLAND and the responsibility for the welfare of the civilian population of all the liberated areas and the reorganization of civil administration has been ably carried out by him. Thanks to Maj-Gen TEMPLER's brilliant organising these difficult duties have been successfully carried through with the utmost speed."

    With swords
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Major-General
    Unit:
    Civil Affairs, Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army
    Awarded on:
    October 17th, 1946
    Commandeur in de Kroonorde

    With palm
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Rank:
    Major-General
    Unit:
    Civil Affairs, Headquarters, 21st Army Group, British Army
    Awarded on:
    October 17th, 1946

    With palm
    Croix de Guerre 1940
    Rank:
    General
    Awarded on:
    June 7th, 1951
    Knights/Dames Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (K/DBE)
    Rank:
    General
    Awarded on:
    June 24th, 1952
    Knight/Dame to the Venerable Order of Saint John (KStJ/DStJ)
    Rank:
    General
    Awarded on:
    June 1st, 1953
    "For his work as High Commissioner in the Coronation Honours List in June 1953."
    Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG)
    Rank:
    General
    Awarded on:
    June 9th, 1955
    Grand Cross of The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (GCB)
    Period:
    Malayan Emergency (1948-1960)
    Rank:
    Field Marshal
    Awarded on:
    October 13th, 1960
    Order of the Defender of the Realm of Malaya - Grand Commander
    Rank:
    Field Marshal
    Awarded on:
    September 16th, 1963
    Order of the Garter

    Sources

    Photo