Operation Granby



Operation Granby was the name given to the British military operations during the Gulf War in 1991. It covered both deployments in defence of Saudi Arabia and the liberation of Kuwait. These two parts of the war were identified separately by the Americans as Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

Operation Granby took its name from John Manners, Marquess of Granby a British commander in the Seven Years' War.

The Joint Commander Gulf Forces (based in the United Kingdom at RAF High Wycombe) was Air Chief Marshal Sir Patrick Hine 1 October 1990—31 March 1991, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon from 31 March 1991. His political adviser was Andrew Palmer. The Commander British Forces Middle East, the in-theatre commander (based in Riyadh), was initially Air Vice Marshal Andrew Wilson (September—October 1990), then Lieutenant-General Sir Peter de la Billiere 6 October 1990—March 1991, and Air Commodore Ian Macfadyen from March 1991.

The Air Commander British Forces Middle East (initially Arabian Peninsula) was Air Vice Marshal Andrew Wilson from August to 17 November 1990 then Air Vice Marshal William (Bill) Wratten from 17 November 1990.

The Senior British Naval Officer Middle East was Captain Anthony McEwen, Royal Navy until September 1990 (on HMS York), then Commodore Paul Haddocks September to December 1990. Finally Commodore Christopher Craig, on HMS Brave and HMS London, was in command from 3 December 1990 to March 1991.