Field Marshall Lord Bramall, RIP
The former D-Day veteran and head of the armed forces Field Marshall Lord Bramall has died at the age of 95.
He joined the Army at the age of 18 and took part in the D-Day landings. He was wounded twice in Normandy but quickly returned to duty. For his bravery he was awarded the military cross in 1945.
He rose through the ranks to commanded UK land forces between 1976 and 1978. He became chief of the general staff - the professional head of the Army - in 1979, and in that capacity he oversaw the 1982 Falklands campaign. Later that year he became chief of the defence staff - e.g. the overall head of the uniformed armed services - holding that post until 1985.
He was made a life peer and went on to have a 26-year career in the House of Lords.
Lord Bramall - known to his family and friends as Dwin, from his first name Edwin - was not afraid to express controversial opinions. He spoke out in the House of Lords against the involvement of the UK in the Iraq war. During a debate in 2004, he said:
"We really should know by now that, unlike naked aggression, terrorism cannot be defeated by massive military means, but by concentrating more on the twin pillars of competent protection and positive diplomacy."
Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood has praised Lord Bramall as an "inspirational leader".
Former defence secretary Lord Heseltine called him an "outstanding soldier", adding:
"From his earliest experiences in the liberation of Europe and the D-Day landings, to his distinguished tenure as chief of the defence staff, he was a man who inspired confidence."
"The country has lost a great patriot who deserved better from us."
Former MP Harvey Proctor paid tribute to Lord Bramall and said the country was
"poorer for his death."
"He will be remembered as a military leader of enormous stature, courage and ability,"
added Mr Proctor.
Paying tribute to Lord Bramall, the current chief of the defence staff General Sir Nick Carter said his "many admirers" would be "deeply saddened" to hear of his death.
"He was a remarkable soldier who served our country with great bravery and dedication over many decades, inspiring his many subordinates, and overseeing significant change as a chief of staff that we still benefit from today," he said.
He joined the Army at the age of 18 and took part in the D-Day landings. He was wounded twice in Normandy but quickly returned to duty. For his bravery he was awarded the military cross in 1945.
He rose through the ranks to commanded UK land forces between 1976 and 1978. He became chief of the general staff - the professional head of the Army - in 1979, and in that capacity he oversaw the 1982 Falklands campaign. Later that year he became chief of the defence staff - e.g. the overall head of the uniformed armed services - holding that post until 1985.
He was made a life peer and went on to have a 26-year career in the House of Lords.
Lord Bramall - known to his family and friends as Dwin, from his first name Edwin - was not afraid to express controversial opinions. He spoke out in the House of Lords against the involvement of the UK in the Iraq war. During a debate in 2004, he said:
"We really should know by now that, unlike naked aggression, terrorism cannot be defeated by massive military means, but by concentrating more on the twin pillars of competent protection and positive diplomacy."
Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood has praised Lord Bramall as an "inspirational leader".
Former defence secretary Lord Heseltine called him an "outstanding soldier", adding:
"From his earliest experiences in the liberation of Europe and the D-Day landings, to his distinguished tenure as chief of the defence staff, he was a man who inspired confidence."
"The country has lost a great patriot who deserved better from us."
Former MP Harvey Proctor paid tribute to Lord Bramall and said the country was
"poorer for his death."
"He will be remembered as a military leader of enormous stature, courage and ability,"
added Mr Proctor.
Paying tribute to Lord Bramall, the current chief of the defence staff General Sir Nick Carter said his "many admirers" would be "deeply saddened" to hear of his death.
"He was a remarkable soldier who served our country with great bravery and dedication over many decades, inspiring his many subordinates, and overseeing significant change as a chief of staff that we still benefit from today," he said.
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