Rupert Lochner
Rupert Gordon Lochner MC (26 January 1891 – 1965) was an officer in the British Army.
WWI
He was Commissioned 5 October 1910 in the South Wales Borderers from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and saw service during World War I in France and Belgium from July 1915 to July 1916, and again from January 1917 to November 1918, earning the Military Cross during this time.[1]
WWII
He was appointed the command the 1st battalion, The South Wales Borderers as a Lieutenant-Colonel from 20 February 1938 [2] to 14 October 1940.[3] He was appointed acting Brigadier-General 15 October 1940.[4] As part of Paiforce (formerly Iraqforce), Lochner commanded the 18th Indian Brigade of the Indian 8th Infantry Division during the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Persia.
He relinquished command of the brigade 14 August 1942 and was promoted to acting Major-General 15 August 1942 and became the Base Commander Persia and Iraq from 15 August 1942 until 14 September 1942. He was advanced again to temporary Major-General 15 August 1943 until 10 December 1943 when he relinquished the rank but he was again appointed temporary Major-General 25 October 1944.[5] He was Mentioned in Despatches twice during World War II.[6]
He retired a Colonel (Honorary Major-General) in January 1946.[7]
Command history
- 1938-1940 : Commanding Officer, 1st battalion, The South Wales Borderers
- 1940–1942: Commanding Officer, 18th Indian Brigade, Indian 8th Infantry Division
- 1942: Commanding Officer, Base, Persia and Iraq
- 1942–1943: General Officer Commanding, Indian 2nd Infantry Division, Iraq