Sir William Herbert Ellery Gilbert, (born Herbert Ellery Gilbert; 20 July 1916 – 26 September 1987), was a New Zealand military leader and intelligence service director.
Gilbert was born in
Wanganui on 20 July 1916.
In 1956, he was tasked by
Jack Marshall, then
Minister of Justice, with setting up the
New Zealand Security Service. Over 19 years, he served under seven
Prime Ministers.
He was appointed
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations,
and public service outside the civil service. It was established ...
(KBE) in the
1976 Queen's Birthday Honours,
just one month prior to his retirement.
He was born as Herbert Ellery Gilbert. At the Australian
Royal Military College Royal Military College may refer to:
;Australia
* Royal Military College, Duntroon, Campbell, Australian Capital Territory
;Canada
* Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario
* Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Saint-Jean, Quebec
;Mala ...
in
Duntroon he was nicknamed Bill, and the name stuck. After his retirement, he changed his name by deed poll to William Herbert Ellery Gilbert.
References
1916 births
1987 deaths
New Zealand military personnel
New Zealand Companions of the Distinguished Service Order
New Zealand Knights Commander of the Order of the British Empire
New Zealand brigadiers
New Zealand military personnel of World War II
New Zealand public servants
People from Whanganui
Royal Military College, Duntroon graduates
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