About John Anderson
Lived 1908 – 1988 (aged 79). John Anderson was a British military officer.
General Sir John D'Arcy Anderson, (23 September 1908 – 16 April 1988) was a British Army officer who reached high office in the 1960s.
Early life John D'Arcy Anderson was born on 23 September 1908 in Downpatrick, Ireland, the only son of Reginald D'Arcy Anderson. He was educated at Winchester College and New College, Oxford.
Military career Anderson was commissioned into the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards in 1929. He served in the Second World War in France, the Middle East and Italy.
Anderson was also the first Colonel Commandant of Ulster Defence Regiment from 1969 to 1979. A purpose-built operations centre for the UDR was built at Ballykinler army base and named in honour of the general who was known as "The father of the UDR".
From 1962 to 1967 Anderson was Colonel of the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.
Public service Anderson was appointed High Sheriff of County Down for 1974.
Family life Anderson married Elizabeth Antoinette Merrifield Walker. They had no children.
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Important facts
People in John Anderson's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Anderson?
British Army officer (1908–1988)
When was John Anderson born?
John Anderson was born on 23 September 1908 in Downpatrick.
When did John Anderson die?
John Anderson died on 16 April 1988 in Ealing.
What was John Anderson's occupation?
John Anderson was a military officer.
What nationality was John Anderson?
John Anderson was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Anderson (British Army officer, born 1908)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Anderson. https://biography.guide/john-anderson-military-officer/
MLA: "John Anderson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-anderson-military-officer/.
Chicago: "John Anderson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-anderson-military-officer/.
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