About Ivan Simson
Lived 1890 – 1971 (aged 80). Ivan Simson was a British engineer and military personnel.
Brigadier Ivan Simson, (14 August 1890 – 4 February 1971) was a British Army officer and the chief engineer in Malaya from August 1941 until its surrender to the Japanese in 1942. Simson was tasked with improving the defenses in Singapore in the face of possible attack by the Japanese, although Simson's defensive recommendations were largely rejected by his commander, Lieutenant General Arthur Percival, as being bad for morale. Previously he was Deputy Chief Engineer Scottish Command.
The Battle of Singapore from 8 to 15 February resulted in a decisive Japanese victory and the capture of Percival, Simson, and the majority of troops under them.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Ivan Simson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Ivan Simson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ivan Simson?
British Army officer
When was Ivan Simson born?
Ivan Simson was born on 14 August 1890.
When did Ivan Simson die?
Ivan Simson died on 4 February 1971.
What was Ivan Simson's occupation?
Ivan Simson was an engineer and military personnel.
What nationality was Ivan Simson?
Ivan Simson was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ivan Simson. https://biography.guide/ivan-simson/
MLA: "Ivan Simson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ivan-simson/.
Chicago: "Ivan Simson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ivan-simson/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:29 UTC