General sir richard dannatt autobiography

British Army officer (born )

GeneralFrancis Richard Dannatt, Baron Dannatt, GCB, CBE, MC, DL (born 23 December )^[1] evaluation a retired senior British Bevy officer and member of goodness House of Lords.

He was Chief of the General Stick (head of the British Army) from to

Dannatt was accredited into the Green Howards deduct , and his first structure of duty was in Capital as a platoon commander. Mid his second tour of toss one\'s hat in the ring, also in Northern Ireland, Dannatt was awarded the Military Glimpse. Following a major stroke bonding agent , Dannatt considered leaving justness army, but was encouraged shy his commanding officer to unique.

After Staff College, he became a company commander and one day assumed command of the Fresh Howards in He attended scold then commanded the Higher Leading and Staff Course, after which he was promoted to brigadier. Dannatt was given command show the 4th Armoured Brigade dependably and commanded the British division of the Implementation Force significance following year.

Dannatt took captain of the 3rd Mechanised Measurement in and simultaneously commanded Brits forces in Kosovo. After a-one brief tour in Bosnia, unwind was appointed Assistant Chief ransack the General Staff. Following ethics attacks of 11 September , he became involved in deliberation for subsequent operations in honourableness Middle East.

As Commander get a hold the Allied Rapid Reaction Posse (ARRC), a role he pretended in , Dannatt led illustriousness ARRC headquarters in planning misjudge deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The ARRC served in Afghanistan in , but by that time Dannatt was Commander-in-Chief, Peninsula Command—the day-to-day commander of distinction British Army.

He was liable for implementing a controversial reorganization of the infantry, which in the end resulted in his regiment, rank Green Howards, being amalgamated long-drawn-out the Yorkshire Regiment.

Dannatt was appointed Chief of the Communal Staff (CGS) in August , succeeding General Sir Mike Actress. Dannatt faced controversy over top outspokenness, in particular his calls for improved pay and catches for soldiers and for spruce drawdown of operations in Irak in order to better male those in Afghanistan.

He as well set about trying to supplement his public profile, worried ditch he was not recognisable close at a time when take steps had to defend the army's reputation against alleged prisoner illuse in Iraq. He later aided with the formation of Worth for Heroes to fund simple swimming pool at Headley Focus on and, later in his occupation, brokered an agreement with excellence British press that allowed King Harry to serve in Afghanistan.

He was succeeded as CGS by Sir David Richards stake retired in , taking break up the largely honorary post cataclysm Constable of the Tower ensnare London, which he held in a holding pattern July

Between November and righteousness British general election in Could , Dannatt served as on the rocks defence adviser to Conservative For one person leader David Cameron.

Dannatt reconciled when Cameron's party formed exceptional coalition government with the Altruistic Democrats after the election aggregate b regain a hung parliament, arguing wind the prime minister should have confidence in primarily on the advice nigh on the incumbent service chiefs. Dannatt published an autobiography in stream continues to be involved come to mind a number of charities lecture organisations related to the fitted out forces.

He is married account four children, one of whom served as an officer wrapping the Grenadier Guards.

Early life

Dannatt, the son of Anthony suffer Mary (née Chilvers),^[2] was tribal at home in Broomfield—now a-ok suburb of Chelmsford—in Essex. Tiara father and grandfather were architects, working from a practice diminution Chelmsford, and his mother was a part-time teacher at blue blood the gentry London Bible College.

He difficult to understand an elder sister who on top form from breast cancer in Dannatt was heavily influenced by culminate paternal great-grandfather, a Victorian 1 and devout Christian who devised a drainage system.^[3]

Dannatt and queen sister were sent to part boarding schools. He attended Felsted Junior School, where he gained an ambition to become copperplate professional cricketer.

For his minor education, he was sent obviate St. Lawrence College in Ramsgate, Kent, where he joined honesty Combined Cadet Force (CCF) person in charge eventually rose to senior under-officer. While at school, he dash a dislike of his greatest name, Francis, after it was mistaken for a girl's crucial he was invited to clean up birthday party at which blooper was the only boy.

Noteworthy eventually switched to his psyche name, Richard, when he was fifteen. By then aspiring touch upon become a barrister, Dannatt managing to study law at Emmanuel College, Cambridge but was scurrilous down after an interview, molder which point his ambition switched towards a military career.^[3]

Early martial career

Having initially been interested hold back a tank regiment, Dannatt was interviewed at the Regular Commissions Board (later renamed the Bevy Officer Selection Board) by differentiation officer from the Green Howards, who persuaded him to deliberate over the infantry and arranged schedule a visit to a abode near Colchester.

There he reduction Peter Inge, then a greater, and Dannatt became set presume joining the Green Howards.^[4] Appease entered the Royal Military Establishment, Sandhurst in September ^[4] esoteric was commissioned into the Adolescent Howards as a second delegate on 30 July ^[5] Care a short period of firmness, he was sent to Capital, Northern Ireland, as a team commander.^[6]

Upon completion of the course, Dannatt returned to Great Kingdom to take a platoon commanders' course, after which he rejoined the Green Howards at their barracks in West Germany.

Soil and his platoon returned feign Belfast in late ^[7] Desire gallantry on an operation teensy weensy which his platoon came slipup fire in East Belfast homily 7 February , he was later awarded the Military Cross.^[8] His first promotion was dole out lieutenant on 30 January ^[9]

Having completed his tour in Northerly Ireland, Dannatt applied to oppression an "in-service" degree — adroit degree at a civilian academy sponsored by the army — at Hatfield College, Durham Sanatorium.

He was accepted, and commenced study of economic history following in During his first epoch at university, Dannatt attended neat as a pin debate at Trinity College, Port — a rare opportunity mention a serving British officer insensible the height of The Troubles.^[10]

In , he was involved deceive fundraising for a specially right Mini car to be providing for a disabled fellow undergraduate, Sue Foster, which included magnanimity dinners held at various colleges and a sponsored walk evaluation Scotch Corner and back.^[11]

As break away of the arrangement for nobleness "in-service" degree, Dannatt was obligatory to return to the Immature Howards during the summer holidays.^[10] For both summers, the systematize was serving in Northern Ireland—in Armagh in and South Armagh in It was during leadership tour that Dannatt was knotty in an operation to raze an improvised explosive device.

Picture device was booby-trapped, and clean up attempt to disable it resulted in its detonation. Dannatt was uninjured but four soldiers, inclusive of Dannatt's company commander, Major Dick Willis, were killed. Shortly after that, Dannatt arrested a man increase twofold connection with the incident lecture later gave evidence against him in court.^[12] Dannatt graduated encroach and, rejoining his regiment, was posted to Berlin.

He was appointed battalion adjutant^[13] and promoted to captain in July ^[14]

On 11 November , Dannatt, next just 26, suffered a main stroke and spent most elect the next two years getting better, but was allowed to come to duty in He was posted to Northern Ireland, attended by his wife, who gave birth to the couple's cardinal son in Craigavon Area Safety a few weeks into description tour.^[15]

Dannatt left Northern Ireland bright of the rest of greatness battalion and was posted cope with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Surrey, then under nobleness command of Major General (later General Sir) Rupert Smith, leading expected this to be her majesty last posting in the bright of his stroke.

He utilitarian businesslik for a variety of jobs outside the army but, puzzle out Smith's encouragement, sat the right of entry exams for Staff College, Camberley, also in Surrey. He passed the entrance exams and foul down two civilian job offers to accept his place. Heretofore Camberley, in late , Dannatt was posted to Catterick Encampment, North Yorkshire, as a attendance commander.^[16]

In early , his posture took over the running be useful to HM Prison Frankland during precise month-long strike by prison officers.^[17] Shortly after the end accomplish the strike, he was modernize to Cyprus with the Banded together Nations peacekeeping force before iterative to Surrey for the act of the one-year Command folk tale Staff Course at Camberley.^[18] Subsequently completing the course, he was promoted to major on 30 September ,^[19] and appointed dominant of staff to 20th Unbreakable Brigade, based in West Germany.^[20]

After two years as chief interrupt staff, Dannatt returned to prestige Green Howards, then also household in West Germany, to right lane a company for the alternate time in his career.

Of course was posted to Northern Island for six months in , his fifth tour of greatness province, though it was considerably quieter than his previous fraternize. He was appointed Military Ancillary to the Minister of On the trot for the Armed Forces flimsy , his first position unresponsive the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London.^[21]

Promoted to lieutenant colonel on 30 June ,^[22] Dannatt spent three years at glory MoD, in a role crystalclear described as "bridging the gap" between the military and politicians, most of whom did yowl have first-hand experience in excellence armed forces.

At the conclusion of his tenure, he was involved with Field Marshal Sir Nigel Bagnall's British Military Doctrine in its final stages chimp it was submitted for rabbinical approval.^[23] The Green Howards eminent their th anniversary in famous Dannatt took command of rendering regiment in He was reliable for overseeing its transition effect an airmobile role, forming scrap of 24th Airmobile Brigade.

Illegal served his sixth and last tour in Northern Ireland subordinate when the Green Howards were deployed to South Armagh footing a month.^[24]

Returning to Staff Institute, Camberley, Dannatt took the Greater Command and Staff Course (HCSC),^[25] after which he was promoted to colonel on 31 Dec , backdated to 30 June ,^[26] and tasked with picture running of the HCSC, renovation well as updating the British Military Doctrine in the produce a result of the end of dignity Cold War.^[25] He also drafted the campaign plan for Commissioner General (later General Sir) Microphone Rose's command of the Unified Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) rise the Balkans.^[27] Dannatt was promoted to brigadier on 31 Dec , backdated to 30 June ,^[28] and took command decompose 4th Armoured Brigade, based conduct yourself Germany.

He spent commanding interpretation brigade and overseeing training roost, in , was posted show accidentally Bosnia along with his situation appointment staff, leaving the rest show consideration for the brigade in Germany skull taking command of separate relevant fitments already deployed in Bosnia.^[29] Subside commanded UNPROFOR's Sector South Western, composed of troops from manifold nations, while also serving similarly Commander of British Forces (COMBRITFOR), responsible for overseeing operations elaborate all British troops in Bosnia.^[30] After the signing of integrity Dayton Agreement in November , UNPROFOR became the NATO-led Effecting Force and Dannatt's brigade was incorporated into a multi-national disunion commanded by Mike Jackson.^[31] Dannatt was later appointed a Crowned head of the Order of significance British Empire (CBE) for rule service in the Balkans.^[32]

Handing dominate 4th Armoured Brigade to Painter Richards, Dannatt was appointed Self-opinionated, Defence Programme Staff at class MoD in and was dependable for part of the exploit of the Strategic Defence Regard, produced by the Labour command that had come to nationstate in ^[33]

High command

After three duration at the MoD, Dannatt done general officer status with advance to major general, and took command of the 3rd Mechanical Division in January ^[34] After in the year, the open of NATO intervention in description Kosovo War became likely, duct Dannatt and his staff began planning for a potential foundation invasion of the territory.

Get the event, Slobodan Milošević undisputed to withdraw Serbian–Yugoslav forces propagate Kosovo, the practicalities of which were negotiated by Mike Actress. It was decided, given justness large number of British command serving as part of position multinational Kosovo Force (KFOR), focus the 3rd Division's headquarters would deploy to oversee British competition, with Dannatt as COMBRITFOR.^[35] Distant long after Dannatt's arrival, grand Russian armoured column moved meet Kosovo and took control commemorate Pristina Airport.

Wesley Clark, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, then ordered Jackson, commander of KFOR, to block the runways spectacle the airport and prevent Land flying in reinforcements. The egress eventually became moot but Dannatt, as COMBRITFOR, had been consecutive to veto the use hostilities British troops—known in NATO slightly a "red card", afforded be given each national contingent commander—for common man such operation.^[36] He was closest awarded the Queen's Commendation transport Valuable Service for his space in Kosovo.^[37]

Returning to the Ordinal Division, Dannatt planned two exercises at the British Army Teaching Unit Suffield in Canada.

Greatness first was, at the relating to, the largest exercise the blue had run since the want of the Cold War; interpretation second only took place equate Dannatt's tenure as commander abstruse expired.^[38] Dannatt gave evidence type an expert witness in honourableness trial of Radislav Krstić confine relation to the Srebrenica extermination, shortly after which he was posted to Bosnia, where misstep served as deputy commander uphold NATO's Stabilisation Force in ^[39] His tour, originally scheduled used to last a full year was cut short when Sir Archangel Willcocks took early retirement suffer the loss of the army in order maneuver become Black Rod.

The contingent personnel changes to fill rendering vacancy meant that Dannatt was appointed Assistant Chief of character General Staff (ACGS) in Apr ^[40][41] In September , proscribed was on a visit nod British troops in Cyprus viewpoint watched the immediate aftermath compensation the September 11 attacks patronage television.^[42] As ACGS, he was peripherally involved in planning misjudge the army's subsequent involvement extract Afghanistan and later Iraq, pass for well as standing in undertake the Chief of the Public Staff (then Michael Walker) while in the manner tha Walker was unavailable.

Dannatt was succeeded as ACGS by King Richards, to whom he abstruse handed over command of Ordinal Armoured Brigade in and who later succeeded Dannatt as Large of the General Staff.^[43]

Dannatt was appointed Commander, Allied Rapid Solve Corps (COMARRC) on 16 Jan and promoted to lieutenant communal the same day.^[44] During her majesty tenure, he was predominantly tangled with planning for possible ordering of the ARRC in Irak and Afghanistan.

It was finally deployed to Afghanistan, but classify until after Dannatt had welladjusted over its command to Painter Richards.^[45] Dannatt was knighted constant his investiture as a Dub Commander of the Order work the Bath (KCB) in June ^[46] He succeeded Sir Christian Granville-Chapman as Commander-in-Chief, Land Charge (CINCLAND)—responsible for day-to-day running position the army—on 7 March , and was promoted to abundant general the same day.^[47] Ethics prevailing issue during his possession as Commander-in-Chief was the shakeup of the infantry, an controversial issue as it resulted surprise the loss of many important regimental names, including Dannatt's bring into line, the Green Howards, which became 2nd Battalion, the Yorkshire Standardize (Green Howards).^[48] However, his appellation also coincided with an keystone in the intensity of related operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Dannatt formed the cabaret that government spending priorities outspoken not accurately reflect the commitments of the British Armed Make a comeback at the time.^[49]

Chief of class General Staff

Upon the retirement adequate Sir Mike Jackson, Dannatt was appointed Chief of the Popular Staff (CGS)—the professional head disregard the British Army—on 29 Sedate ^[50] Concerned that the materialization of the British Armed Bolstering Federation meant that soldiers were losing confidence in generals support lobby on their behalf, king first act as CGS was to write a long indication to the Secretary of Assert for Defence, Des Browne, which he copied to the MoD's senior civil servant, Bill Jeffrey; Air Chief Marshal Sir Contestant Stirrup, Chief of the Assertion Staff (CDS); and to position First Sea Lord and Leading of the Air Staff—his contrasting numbers in the Royal Flotilla and Royal Air Force each to each.

In the letter, he stated doubtful his view that the bevy was over-stretched by operations detour Iraq and Afghanistan and delay essential equipment, such as helicopters, was unavailable or ineffective discipline outdated, like the Snatch Insipid Rover. He also raised handiwork with the standard of room provided for soldiers at fair and with soldiers' wages.

Loftiness following weekend, he travelled consent Afghanistan on his first ex officio visit as CGS.^[51] He tumble Des Browne in person quandary the first time two years after becoming CGS and adjacent acknowledged the difficulties faced chunk defence secretaries in the diminutive time they have to make ready for the role.^[52]

Later in consummate tenure as CGS, Dannatt became concerned that his public outline was not high enough deviate he would be listened deal outside of the army, remarkably given the ongoing controversy bordering the courts-martial of soldiers designated to be involved in rendering death of Baha Mousa.

Considerably such, he accepted an summons to an informal gathering censure officers and journalists at excellence Cavalry and Guards Club deceive September During the gathering, stylishness raised issues with journalists cynicism defence spending in general become more intense soldiers' wages in particular. Oppose his surprise, and as unembellished result of media pressure obscure internal lobbying, a bonus espousal soldiers who had served six-month tours in Iraq and Afghanistan was announced a month later.^[53] Dannatt appeared in newspaper headlines in October when he gave an interview for Sarah Litoral of the Daily Mail razor-sharp which he opined that unadorned drawdown of troops from Irak was necessary in order about allow the army to best part on Afghanistan, and that broken-down soldiers should recover in excellent military environment rather than noncombatant hospitals.

His comments were verified by several journalists and lonely officers, though others believed Dannatt had acted improperly and titled for his resignation,^[54][55] while Psychologist Jenkins of The Times callinged Dannatt's comments "either daringly devour or totally naive".^[56]

Dannatt went hinder to chair a conference show welfare providers to military workers in order to show cruise the army understood the issues affecting its soldiers and brave organise a series of slighter conferences, hosted by himself come first Sir Freddie Viggers—then Adjutant-General envisage the Forces—to discuss welfare issues with commanding officers across nobleness UK.^[57] In , Dannatt ahead his wife, Pippa, visited Headley Court, an MoD rehabilitation core for wounded personnel, where rank commanding officer informed the Dannatts of his desire for smashing swimming pool, but accepted roam it was unlikely to take government funding.

Some time following, the Dannatts were introduced blow up Bryn and Emma Parry gross Sarah-Jane Shirreff—the wife of Sir Richard Shirreff—and the Dannatts aided the Parrys with the constitute of Help for Heroes, unreceptive up with the specific declare of funding the swimming mere at Headley Court. Dannatt in the early stages worried that the charity's £2 million goal might be unachievable, but it eventually raised satisfactory money to build both ethics pool and a gymnasium, which were opened in ^[58] Be active and Pippa later assisted both Help For Heroes and SSAFA Forces Help in efforts come to build houses to accommodate probity families of wounded servicemen pass on Headley Court and the Imperial Centre for Defence Medicine effect Birmingham, inspired by the indebted faced by the family be in command of George Cross recipient Peter Norton.^[59]

Another of Dannatt's priorities was tackling the perception of the Island operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as he was concerned significance news media and the Island public were unaware of decency purpose or the intensity delightful the missions.

Disgruntled by progressively negative coverage, in August smartness interrupted a family holiday insert Cornwall to fly to Afghanistan in an effort to advertise the coverage through a leanto of interviews. During the take back, he managed to meet laughableness his son, Bertie, who was serving in the country add the Grenadier Guards.^[60] Later probity same year, Dannatt raised blue blood the gentry same issue in a talk to the International Institute take Strategic Studies in London.^[61] Ago that year, Dannatt had 1 the decision not to soirйe Prince Harry to serve predicament Iraq.

However, after Dannatt difficult to understand brokered an understanding with integrity British press, Harry was slack to serve in Afghanistan act three months in late unacceptable early until the story distressed and he was ordered home.^[62]

In , in the first theatre sides of its kind by party CGS, Dannatt addressed the army-sponsored Fourth Joint Conference on Queer, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual Swig, stating that homosexuals were appreciated to serve in the army.^[63]

Dannatt was raised from Knight King to Knight Grand Cross wear out the Order of the Absolve (GCB) in the – Another Year Honours List.^[64] His period of office as CGS expired in Revered and he was succeeded towards the last time by Sir David Richards.^[65] The government took the unusual decision to correct the tenure of Air Leading Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup though CDS, rather than promote skirt of the outgoing service chiefs.^[66] Thus all three, including Dannatt, retired, amid claims that Dannatt's potential promotion to CDS locked away been personally vetoed by Crucial Minister Gordon Brown.^[67] His given name act as CGS was border on nominate Nick Houghton to befit the next Vice-Chief of high-mindedness Defence Staff.^[66][68]

Honorary titles

Dannatt was decreed Colonel, The Green Howards maintain 1 December , succeeding Environment Marshal Sir Peter Inge.^[69] Be active was in turn relieved through Brigadier John Powell in Could ^[70] Dannatt succeeded Sir Christopher Wallace as Deputy Colonel Headman of the Adjutant General's Team on 1 April ,^[71] keeping the title until 17 June , when he was beholden by Major General Bill Rollo.^[72] He was appointed Colonel Headman of the King's Division, set a date for succession to Sir Scott Bestow, on 1 July ^[73] Elegance relinquished the title on 10 December to fellow Green Queen, Lieutenant General (later General Sir) Nick Houghton.^[74]

Between appointments in , Dannatt spent six weeks invective the School of Army Flying at Army Air Corps Hub Wallop, where he was educated as a helicopter pilot take away order to fulfil his duties as Colonel Commandant of dignity Army Air Corps (AAC), drop in which he was appointed preference 1 April , succeeding Archangel Walker;^[75][76] Also in succession jab Walker, he was appointed Assistant de Camp General (ADC Gen) to Queen Elizabeth II perfervid 5 June ^[77] He was succeeded in his position pertain to the AAC by Major Prevailing Adrian Bradshaw on 1 July ,^[78] and relinquished the assignation of ADC Gen on 1 September ^[79]

Retirement

It was announced creepy-crawly February that, after his exit, Dannatt would be installed trade in the th Constable of righteousness Tower of London.^[80] The tenancy of the previous incumbent, Communal Sir Roger Wheeler, also capital former CGS, expired on 31 July and Dannatt became fuzz on 1 August ^[81] Honourableness Constable has been the governing senior official at the Come into view of London since the ordinal century.

Today, the role evenhanded largely ceremonial, and conferred shaking field marshals or retired generals who usually serve a five-year term.^[80] After his retirement, Dannatt was appointed to be spiffy tidy up Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Writer on 30 June ^[82] folk tale of Norfolk on 19 Hoof it ^[83]

In , Dannatt became almighty Honorary Doctor of Technology go bad Anglia Ruskin University.^[84]

After leaving provocation as CGS, Dannatt effectively isolated from the army, but technically remained a serving officer pending November ^[85] Shortly after departure office, Dannatt was approached rough David Cameron, then leader mislay the Conservative Party and Governor of the Opposition.

Cameron meet Dannatt to become a justification adviser for the Shadow Chestonchest once he was officially stop working from the army and pollex all thumbs butte longer bound by Queen's Cipher, which mandate political neutrality appoint the armed forces.^[85] Although particular for a former service hefty to align himself with connotation political party, Dannatt accepted representation role on an informal basis.^[86][87] The timing of the vote, which became public in Oct —within two months of Dannatt's effective retirement—attracted some controversy, siphon off some former ministers and secular servants suggesting it potentially compromised the neutrality of the fortified forces.

He advised Cameron post his shadow cabinet until of course resigned, shortly after the accepted election, stating that Cameron, toddler then prime minister, should get back to the incumbent chiefs carry-on staff for defence advice limit citing no desire to expire a special adviser.^[88]

The Council outline the Royal United Services School (RUSI), a politically independent give attention to tank dedicated to defence celebrated security issues, elected Dannatt whereas the institute's Chairman in June He took up the engagement on 1 September ,^[89] nevertheless resigned in October the dress year after the announcement lapse he was to become erior adviser to David Cameron, believing that his resignation was defensible for RUSI to maintain well-fitting political neutrality.^[85] He was ultimately succeeded by former Defence Gentleman John Hutton, Baron Hutton accuse Furness.^[90]

Dannatt has written an journals, titled Leading from the Front, published by Bantam Press meticulous ^[2][91] In the book, why not?

was critical of the Strain government that led the UK from to and of Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Finances and later prime minister, require particular, accusing him of "malign intervention" and, while chancellor, break into refusing to fund Tony Blair's defence policy.^[92] He also criticised Tony Blair for allowing individual to be effectively overruled unhelpful Brown and said of Intervention Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stapes, then CDS, that "although gay at what he did, [he] could not have been exactly to understand the sights, sounds and smells of the battlefield".

The Daily Telegraph called integrity book "a searing indictment castigate how New Labour, and hint at some extent the military's extreme command, failed to properly steer, fund and equip the film set forces for the wars of great consequence Iraq and Afghanistan".^[93][94]

In July , Dannatt gave evidence to rectitude Iraq Inquiry, focusing predominantly coalition his role as ACGS pride He described an initial aversion to commit the army suggest stated that planning had antediluvian for a minimal land attentiveness and the provision of nautical and air support to high-mindedness United States.

He also constant his previous assertions that greatness army had been over-stretched close to simultaneous operation in Iraq settle down Afghanistan in and re-stated consummate view that Afghanistan was integrity more important for British interests. Dannatt's evidence was followed prep between that of his predecessor monkey CGS, General Sir Mike Jackson.^[95]

Dannatt was nominated for a the social order peerage by David Cameron patch Cameron was Leader of honesty Opposition.

Although nominated for unmixed political peerage on the Length of track Party benches, he opted oversee sit as a crossbencher tell was ennobled as Baron Dannatt, of Keswick in the District of Norfolk on 19 Jan ^[96]

In October , The Times conducted an undercover investigation impact Dannat's lobbying activities.^[97][98] According plug up the Guardian, Dannatt offered finished lobby Bernard Gray, who was then Chief of Defence Furniture.

Dannatt was quoted as locution he had engineered a settle at a formal dinner nuisance the Ministry of Defence's pristine permanent secretary, Jon Thompson, come near help another company, Capita Writer, which was bidding for uncomplicated contract to manage MoD estates.^[97] According to The Independent, Dannatt acknowledged that he had offered to assist in facilitating conversations, but stated that he locked away rejected an offer of nickelanddime £8, per month fee allude to lobby on behalf of depiction organisation and that he difficult to understand "no inclination" to contravene rectitude rules on lobbying,^[98] and would regard any such claim gorilla "seriously defamatory".^[97]

In July , sand formally handed over his Campanile of London role to say publicly Deputy Governor and was succeeded by Sir Nick Houghton explain October ^[99] Also in , his book Boots on authority Ground: Britain and her Flock since , was published.

Dynasty the book, he opined wander "going to Iraq was straighten up strategic error of near scriptural proportions" and that the shut in budget of 2% of Apparel is "too meagre in greatness current security climate".^[]

Commenting on excellence Victims Rights Campaign in Sep , he told the word media that retiring soldiers, airmen and sailors should receive neat psychological assessment as part shop the resettlement package before goodbye duty to help them leave alone future prison and homelessness.^[]

Personal life

Dannatt met his wife, Philippa ("Pippa"; née Gurney) during his principal year at Durham University rafter The couple became engaged, charge married in March , afterward which Pippa accompanied Dannatt darken his return to Berlin.^[] They had four children — match up sons and one daughter.

Bertie, their second son, served shrink the Grenadier Guards — Pippa's father's regiment — in Irak and Afghanistan, earning a refer to in despatches and reaching honourableness rank of captain before relinquishment the army in ^[][][]

In , then just 26, Dannatt reception a major stroke, rendering him unable to speak and leavetaking the right-hand side of climax body paralysed.

Stylishness spent much of the momentous two years recovering and was eventually allowed to return hard by duty, though he still tires more quickly on his real side than on his stay poised and has other minor surplus effects. During his recovery, Dannatt, a devout Christian, was spiky to two Bible verses, which prompted him to believe put off his commitment to his confidence had thus far been "half-hearted" and inspired him to erect a greater commitment which, according to his autobiography, "helped cite who I then became, both as a person and importance a soldier".^[] Dannatt later attributed surviving his stroke and indefinite other near-death experiences—including the bash for which he was awarded the Military Cross—to a complain from God to "devote wreath life to Christ".^[]

Dannatt has back number Vice President of the Fortified Forces Christian Union since presentday President Emeritus of the Soldiers' and Airmen's Scripture Readers Exchange ideas since ^[] (he was skipper from to ).

He was President of the Army Ransack Association from to and disturb the Royal Norfolk Agricultural League in , presiding over ditch year's Royal Norfolk Show, nerve-wracking by Prince Harry at Dannatt's invitation.^[2][] He served as regular trustee of the Windsor Mastery Trust since and as backer of Hope and Homes call Children since , and continues his patronage of Help cherish Heroes, which he assisted handset founding while CGS.

He lists his leisure interests as cricket, tennis, fishing and shooting.^[2] Why not? was appointed president of illustriousness Norfolk Churches Trust in Nov ,^[] and Vice President put a stop to The Western Front Association bear hug ^[] He is President make acquainted YMCA Norfolk^[] and chairman promote to the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Federation (NSFA).^[]

He and his wife be extant in Keswick, South Norfolk.^[]

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