Col Alastair Thorburn

Sadly, the death on 9th July 2017 of Col Alastair Thorburn, late of the King's Own Scottish Borderers and 4 Commando, has been announced in The Times. Col Thorburn was aged 96. His funeral is to take place at St Andrew's Parish Church, Farnham, Surrey at 11.30 am on 4th August 2017. Captain Thorburn, as he then was, commanded A Troop 4 Cdo during the Normandy campaign and 1 Troop 4 Cdo during the Walcheren campaign and afterwards. Major James Dunning, in his book "The Fighting Fourth", recounts that he gained the endearing nickname of "Bambi" from his men when mountain training in the Cairngorms. My late uncle served under him in 1 Troop, and described him as a very popular officer. I received a very gracious reply from Col Thorburn when I wrote to him many years ago telling him of my uncle's death.

Very sad news indeed. He was my father's troop captain and a well respected officer and gentleman.

So sad to read this. My dad was in different Troops within No.4 but I've read about 'Bambi'.

RIP Sir, and thank you.

Very sad news. Our condolences to all his family and friends.

There are numerous photos of the then Captain Alastair Murray Thorburn in our gallery one of which I have cropped and placed here. Many will not know that post war Captain Thorburn was Mentioned in Despatches for "gallant and distinguished services" in Korea whilst serving with the King's Own Scottish Borderers.

Rest in peace Alastair.

Col Thorburn later went on to command 1 KOSB in Aden between 1962 and 1964.

Thank you for your service Col Thorburn with No 4 Commando. We remember the family and friends.

Bill Harvey

Thank you for posting this info, which is particularly poignant for me - I am Alastair McDougall, named after my father's friend and colleague, who was among those he sketched (pic).

Very sad news indeed RIP