Major-General Ian Stanley Ord Playfair

Major-General Sir Ian Stanley Ord Playfair (CB, DSO, MC and Bar) was born on 10 April 1894, the son of Colonel F.H.G. Playfair, Hampshire Regiment.

Playfair being educated at Cheltenham College and served in the Great War in Europe 1914-1918, was Mentioned in Despatches, awarded the Military Cross (MC) and Bar, and Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in 1918.

He married Jocelyn, oldest daugher of Colonel L.N. Malan, OBE, in 1930. They had two sons. He was General Staff Officer, Grade 2, Staff College, at Quetta in India from 1934-1937.

He was at Imperial Defence College in 1938, a Commandant of Army Gas School in 1939 and a Director of Plans, War Office between 1940-1941.

In early 1942, he was appointed deputy commander (and chief of staff) of land forces in the American-British-Dutch-Australian Command.

Major-General appointed to General Staff of 11th Army Group, South-East Asia Command in 1943. He was created, Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB), in 1943, and retired with pay in 1947.

He has published several publications: The Mediterranean and Middle East 1939-1942 (official campaign history) Volume One, 1954; Volume Two, 1956; Volume Three, 1960; Volume Four, 1966.

He died on 21 March 1972.