William Herbert Ellery Gilbert
Military leader, intelligence service director
About William Herbert Ellery Gilbert
Lived 1916 – 1987 (aged 71). William Herbert Ellery Gilbert was a New Zealand military personnel.
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 1953, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. 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. just one month prior to his retirement.
He was born as Herbert Ellery Gilbert. At the Australian Royal Military College 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.
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Herbert Ellery Gilbert?
Military leader, intelligence service director (1916–1987)
When was William Herbert Ellery Gilbert born?
William Herbert Ellery Gilbert was born on 20 July 1916 in Whanganui.
When did William Herbert Ellery Gilbert die?
William Herbert Ellery Gilbert died on 26 September 1987 in Silverstream.
What was William Herbert Ellery Gilbert's occupation?
William Herbert Ellery Gilbert was a military personnel.
What nationality was William Herbert Ellery Gilbert?
William Herbert Ellery Gilbert was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: William Herbert Ellery Gilbert
· DBpedia: Bill Gilbert (intelligence service director)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Herbert Ellery Gilbert. https://biography.guide/william-herbert-ellery-gilbert/
MLA: "William Herbert Ellery Gilbert." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-herbert-ellery-gilbert/.
Chicago: "William Herbert Ellery Gilbert." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-herbert-ellery-gilbert/.
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