Alan Bruce Blaxland
Major General Alan Bruce Blaxland CB OBE (17 October 1892 – 1962) was an officer in the British Indian Army during World War I and World War II.
World War I
Born 17 October 1892, he was commissioned onto the Unattached List for the Indian Army on 5 August 1914 (the day after Britain's entry into World War I), with seniority of 21 January 1913, from being a university candidate. He was attached to the 1st battalion the Sherwood Foresters in 1914. He later joined the Indian Army.
He was a Captain when he married Lilian Ann Lucy in India 19 August 1919.
World War II
As an acting Colonel he was an Area Commander in the Sudan from 16 January to 15 March 1941.[1]
He was appointed an acting Brigadier on 16 March 1941 when he was appointed a Brigade Commander, an appointment he held until 21 July 1942.[2]
As part of Paiforce (formerly Iraqforce), Brigadier Blaxland commanded the 27th Indian Infantry Brigade of the Indian 6th Infantry Division during the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Persia.
On 22 July 1942, he was appointed to command 10th Indian Infantry Division in the Middle East until 28 August 1942.
Promoted an acting Lieutenant-General 29 August 1942 to command Indian XXV Corps but reverted to Major-General in August 1943 for his next appointment in India.
He was the chairman of the Indian National Army court-martials held at the Red Fort at Delhi between November 1945 and May 1946.
Appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath as a temporary Major General in the London Gazette 14 June 1945.
Awarded The Order of the Cloud and Banner, Special Cravat by the Republic of China as a local Lieutenant-General in the London Gazette of 23 May 1947.
Retired Colonel and honorary Major-General 22 May 1947.[3]
He died in 1962.
Command history
- 1938–1940: Commanding Officer, 4th Battalion 7th Rajput Regiment
- 1940: Deputy Commandant, Mersa Matruh Fortress
- 1941–1942: Commanding Officer, 27th Indian Brigade, Persia and Iraq
- 1942–1943: General Officer Commanding Indian 10th Infantry Division, Iraq, North Africa, and Cyprus
- 1942–1943: General Officer Commanding, XXV Indian Corps, Cyprus
- 1943–1946: District Officer Commanding, Lahore District, India until 3 September 1946.[4]