Major Geoffrey Langlands CMG, MBE, former TSM in No. 4 Commando

It is with much sadness that we advise you of the recent death in Pakistan on the 2nd January 2019 of Major Geoffrey Langlands, aged 101 years, who served as a Troop Sergeant Major in No. 4 Commando and participated in the Dieppe raid.He is mentioned several times in Jimmy Dunning's book The Fighting Fourth. Before Dieppe he qualified as a climbing instructor and put this expertise to good use whilst C Troop were based in the village of Bethesda, Snowdonia. He left the Commando in 1944 after being selected for Officer training, receiving his commission, and being sent to India to join the Royal Garhwal Rifles. After independence, he chose to join the Pakistan Army. After leaving the Army in 1953 he took a teaching post at the prestigious Aitchison College in Lahore, remaining there for 25 years before founding another college in North Waziristan. The internet and newspapers across the world report on the death of this remarkable man who remained in Pakistan and involved with his school into his 90s. The Telegraph newspaper obituary reports that an American ambassador to Islamabad once commented that Major Langlands had taught half the Government in Pakistan.

On his 100th birthday tributes had poured in. Some examples are here.

A Facebook page set up in his name by students - https://www.facebook.com/GDLanglands/

From the British High Commissioner - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/british-high-commissioner-wishes-major-langlands-happy-100th-birthday

A video birthday greeting from Imran Khan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0X5w9boD8c

We have a group photo taken in June 1942 in the gallery where Geoffrey Langlands is the one sitting on the ground wearing a cap comforter. It can be viewed in the gallery here - Section of C Troop No. 4 Cdo. - .

Rest in peace Major Langlands.

Dr Alexander Ross writes the following on another forum thread which I have transferred here along with my reply:

Hello Chaps,
Am still working on the biography of Major Geoffrey Langlands (No. 4 Commando):
https://www.arossauthor.com

On the 13th of February 2021 a memorial was held at Aitchison College, Lahore, Pakistan honouring the Major with this bust. It is great that the memories and achievements of these men are being kept alive.

Best,
Alexander Ross

Hi Alexander
He was certainly a remarkable man. His biography should make very interesting reading. We have a couple of other Forum messages about him including one announcing his passing.

What a great life Major Langlands lived , and to a great age.

May he rest in peace.

Condolences to all his family and many friends.