George Palao

George L. Palao BEM (4 October 1940, Kensington, United Kingdom - 2009, Gibraltar) was a Gibraltarian historian and potholer and illustrator. He was particularly known for his excavations and finds in many caves of Gibraltar.

Early years Born in Kensington, London on 4 October 1940, George Palao became part of an entire generation of Gibraltarians who were born away from the Rock after their parents were evacuated from Gibraltar along with most of the civilian population during World War II. When the war ended he and his family were repatriated to Gibraltar where he attended the Gibraltar Technical School and the Gibraltar Dockyard School. He returned to Gibraltar in 1972.

Historical and caving research Palao had actively pursued his interests in Gibraltar's history, pre-history, geology and archaeology since 1965, which led him to the discovery and excavation of many of the caves of Gibraltar, uncovering valuable material and information in the process. He led the Gibraltar Cave Research Group in the late 1950s and 60s, with many of the group's finds now kept at the Gibraltar Museum. He was also a keen diver, a skill he exploited to excavate a number of underwater sites along Gibraltar's coast. Palao's passion for history and archaeology saw him become a member of the Royal Archaeological Institute and the Prehistoric Society of Britain. His work in these research fields was officially recognised when he was awarded the British Empire Medal by Queen Elizabeth II in her Birthday Honours of 1976. considered to be the most complete history of Gibraltar and its people.

Although it was lesser known by the general public, Palao was also an accomplished model maker.