Herbert Hasler

Herbert George Hasler
Nickname(s)Blondie
Born(1914-02-27)27 February 1914
Dublin, Ireland
Died5 May 1987(1987-05-05) (aged 73)
Glasgow, Scotland
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service / branchRoyal Marines
Years of service1932–1948
RankLieutenant Colonel
Battles / warsSecond World War
AwardsDistinguished Service Order
Officer of the Order of the British Empire
Mentioned in Despatches
Croix de guerre (France)

Herbert George "Blondie" Hasler, DSO, OBE (27 February 1914 – 5 May 1987) was a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Marines. Soon after joining the Marines, he grew a splendid blonde moustache, from which he acquired his nickname ‘Blondie'. In December 1942, during the Second World War, Hasler led a small commando raid against Axis shipping in Bordeaux. He was responsible for many of the concepts which ultimately led to the post-war formation of the Special Boat Service. After the war he became a notable yachtsman, contributing especially to developments in single-handed sailing.