Gavin Hamilton (British Army officer)
| Gavin John Hamilton | |
|---|---|
| Born |
15 May 1953 Harrogate, North Yorkshire |
| Died | 10 June 1982 (aged 29) Port Howard, Falkland Islands |
| Buried at | Port Howard Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | British Army |
| Years of service | 1975–82 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit |
Green Howards 19 Troop, 22 SAS |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Gavin John Hamilton, M.C. (15 May 1953 – 10 June 1982) was a British Army officer. He was the Officer Commanding 19 (Mountain) Troop, D Squadron, 22 Special Air Service during the Falklands War when he was killed in his 29th year whilst behind enemy lines on West Falkland. He was the first posthumous recipient of the Military Cross.
Having graduated from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Hamilton was commissioned as a subaltern with the Green Howards, with the Service No.499793 in 1975, and served with the British Army in Cyprus, Belize, and South Armagh in Ulster during Operation Banner. He was transferred into the Special Air Service in 1981, being attached initially to its D Squadron, 19 (Mountain) Troop.
Having survived two helicopter crashes in adverse weather conditions on the Fortuna Glacier in South Georgia during Operation Paraquet, two days later Hamilton led the advance elements of the forces which captured the main Argentine positions in Grytviken. This action resulted in the surrender of Argentinian garrison occupying South Georgia. Shortly afterwards he led the Raid on Pebble Island, which resulted in the destruction of eleven FMA IA 58 Pucará and T-34 Mentor Argentinian aircraft on the ground.
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