Sir Gordon Messenger | |
|---|---|
.jpg) General Messenger in 2019 | |
| Born | 15 April 1962 Dundee, Scotland |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | Royal Marines |
| Years of service | 1983–2019 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands | Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff (2016–19) Task Force Helmand (2008–09) 3 Commando Brigade (2008–09) 40 Commando (2002–04) |
| Battles / wars | War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Companion of the Distinguished Service Order & Bar Officer of the Order of the British Empire |
| Other work | Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom (2021–present) Constable of the Tower of London (2022–present) Lord High Steward (6 May 2023) |
General Sir Gordon Kenneth Messenger, KCB, DSO & Bar, OBE (born 15 April 1962) is a retired senior Royal Marines officer who served as Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff from May 2016 to May 2019. As a colonel he commanded 40 Commando during the Iraq War, and led the Commando in the assault on the Al-Faw Peninsula. He served as British Commander of Task Force Helmand, during the 3 Commando Brigade deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan on Operation Herrick IX from 2008 to 2009. After his retirement, Messenger has held ceremonial positions, including Lord High Steward at the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.