General Sir Geoffrey Hugh Whitby Howlett, KBE, MC (5 February 1930 – 21 April 2022) was a senior British Army officer who was Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces Northern Europe.
Sir Geoffrey Howlett | |
|---|---|
| Born | 5 February 1930 British India |
| Died | 21 April 2022 (aged 92) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | British Army |
| Years of service | 1950–1990 |
| Rank | General |
| Service number | 411979 |
| Commands held | Allied Forces Northern Europe (1986–89) South East District (1983–85) Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (1982–83) 1st Armoured Division (1979–82) 16th Parachute Brigade (1975–77) 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (1971–73) |
| Battles/wars | Malayan Emergency Suez Crisis Cyprus Emergency The Troubles |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Officer of the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry Military Cross |
| Relations | Bernard Howlett (father) |
Military career
editEducated at Wellington College and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, Howlett was commissioned into the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment in 1950.[1] He was awarded the Military Cross in 1952.[1][2]
In 1971 Howlett was appointed Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and in 1975 he was made Commander of 16th Parachute Brigade.[1] He was General Officer Commanding 1st Armoured Division from 1979 and Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst from 1982 to 1983 when he became GOC South East District.[1] He was made Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces Northern Europe in 1986; he retired in 1989.[1][2]
Howlett was Colonel Commandant of the Parachute Regiment from 1983 to 1990.[1]
He died on 21 April 2022, at the age of 92.[3]