Mervyn Butler

General Sir Mervyn Andrew Haldane Butler KCB CBE DSO MC (1 July 1913 – 3 January 1976) is a former Commander-in-Chief of Strategic Command of the British Army.

Army career
Mervyn Butler was educated at St Columba's College, Rathfarnham, Ireland and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was commissioned into the South Lancashire Regiment in 1933. He transferred to the Parachute Regiment and served with distinction during World War II being awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross for his services. He transferred to the Suffolk Regiment in 1945. He commanded 16 Independent Parachute Brigade from 1955 to 1957 and 2nd Division from 1962 to 1964.

In 1964 he was appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Studies (Joint Warfare) and then in 1966 went on to be Commandant of the Staff College, Camberley. From 1968 to 1970 he was General Officer Commanding 1 (British) Corps. He was General Officer Commanding, Army Strategic Command from 1970 to 1971 before going on to serve as Commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies from 1972 to 1973. He was promoted to General in 1972.

He was also Colonel Commandant of the Parachute Regiment from 1967 to 1972.

He was appointed KCB in 1968, CBE in 1957 and CB in 1964.