Fergie Semple
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Brigadier Roderick Ferguson Semple, MBE, MC (26 January 1922 – 31 July 2003) was a British Army officer who served as Director SAS from 1969 to 1972.
Fergie Semple | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 January 1922 |
| Died | 31 July 2003 (aged 81) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Branch | British Army |
Service years | 1942–1972 |
Rank | Brigadier |
| Commands | Special Air Service 131 Parachute Engineer Regiment 9 Independent Parachute Squadron (RE) |
Conflicts | Second World War |
| Awards | Member of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross |
Military career
Educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and the University of Aberdeen,[1] Semple was commissioned into the Royal Engineers in 1942.[2] He served in the Second World War with the 6th Airborne Divisional Engineers creating Glider Landing Zones in the Airborne landings in Normandy in June 1944.[3] He received the MC for this.[1]
Semple commanded 9 Independent Parachute Squadron (RE) from 1957 to 1959. He went on to be chief of staff for 16 Parachute Brigade,[1] before becoming commanding officer of 131 Parachute Engineer Regiment.[1] He was appointed Director of the SAS in 1969 before retiring in 1972.[4]
In retirement, Semple became Director-General of Administration in the Omani Department of Defence and a member of the Sultan's National Defence Council.[1] The Airborne Engineers Association still holds an annual Fergie Semple Golf Competition in his honour.[5]
Family
Semple was married to Olivia; they had no children.[1]