David Pennefather

Major General David Anthony Somerset Pennefather, CB, OBE (born 17 May 1945) is a former Royal Marines officer who served as Commandant General Royal Marines from 1996 to 1998.

Major General David Pennefather CB OBE
Born	(1945-05-17) 17 May 1945 (age 80)
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Marines
Years of service	1965–1998
Rank	Major General
Commands	Commandant General Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade 42 Commando
Battles / wars	The Troubles Falklands War Bosnian War
Awards	Companion of the Order of the Bath Officer of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in Despatches

Military career

Pennefather was educated at Wellington College and joined the Royal Marines in 1963.^[1] He was commissioned as an acting lieutenant in 1965.^[2] He was mentioned in despatches for service during the Falklands War.^[3]

Pennefather was Commanding Officer of 42 Commando from 1988 to 1990,^[4] and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1990 "in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland".^[5] He became commander of 3 Commando Brigade in 1992 and commander of the United Nations Rapid Reaction Force during the Bosnian War,^[6] for which he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath.^[7] He went on to be Commandant General Royal Marines in 1996 before retiring in 1998.^[8]

Later life

In retirement Pennefather became Secretary of the Royal Humane Society,^[9] and a director of the Royal Naval Museum in Portsmouth.^[10]