Brigadier JR Cornell CBE (420805) Late RB & RGJ

Johnny Cornell died on 5^th May 2013 after a short illness.

DOB 2 Nov 1931 in London,

He was the third son of RW Cornell of Wedmore Somerset and his youngest brother CR Cornell(Christopher) was a serving GJ Offr 7/1960 to 10/1968.

Educated at: Winchester College

Promotions:

Other Rank Service: 1 year 360 days (OBLI/RMAS)

2Lt1952; Lt 1953; Capt 1954; Maj 1964; Lt Col Dec 1969; Col Dec 1977; Brig 30/6/1982

Record of Service:

Commissioned into the Rifle Brigade 8 Feb 1952

1 RB (BAOR) 1952-1953 Pl Comd

1 RB (UK) 1953-1954 A/Adjt, IO

1 RB (Kenya) 1954-1956 IO, 2ic A Coy

1 RB (Malaya) 1956 2ic A Coy

ADC to Field Marshal Sir FrancisFesting (CinC FARELF Singapore/CIGS London) 1956-1958

1 RB (BAOR) 1958-1960 Adjt

RMAS 1960-1962 WTO

Staff College Camberley1963                                                                    

BM HQ 133 Inf Bde TA (Kent/Sussex) 1964-1966

3 RGJ Coy Comd UK/BAOR 1966-1967

JSSC Jan 1968-Jul 1968

GSO2 (Ops) HQ FARELF Aug 1968-Nov 1969

CO 4 (V) RGJ Dec 1969-Mar 1972

MA to C in C HQ UKLF Apr 1972-Oct 1974 (GeneralSir Basil Eugster)

HS (Rifle Depot) Oct 1974-Nov 1975

HQ UDR (GSO1) Mar 1975-Mar 1977

HS (Rifle Depot) pending next appt Mar 1977-Nov 1977

Col AQ HQ British Forces Hong Kong Nov 1977- May 1980

NATO Defence College Rome Aug 1980-Feb1981

Col GS/Dep Comd HQ LF Cyprus Mar 1981-Jan 1983

Def & Mil Advisor High Commission New Delhi, India 29 Jan 1983-1986

Retired 2 Nov 1986

Honours and Awards: CBE New Year Honours 1981

GAP    After retiring from the Army, Johnny took over GAP (Gap Activity Projects), a charity dedicated to international volunteering. Over 14 years he rebuilt GAP from near obsolescence to an international organisation responsible for providing vital volunteer support across an array of services including teaching, health care and environmental work. At its peak GAP operated in 35 countries. Through Johnnys tireless dedication, GAP created work opportunities for thousands of young volunteers, both Foreign and British. Initially these volunteers were all privately educated English men, but by the end GAP sustained a healthy mixture of male and female from every social stratum. They in turn provided support for those in real need. Johnny was truly the pioneer of the GAP year.

Married: Caroline Delano-Osborne on 21 Apr 1965 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Children: 3 sons

Mark (who was a serving RGJ Offr 12/1985 to 8 1992)

David (who was a serving RGJ Offr 4/1992 to 6/1995)

Tom

Letter of condolence if desired:

Mrs JR Cornell (Caroline)

Sharcott Mill House
Sharcott
Pewsey
Wiltshire SN9 5PA

Funeral arrangements:

Private family funeral.

Service of Thanksgiving to be announced at a later date.

BRIGADIER JOHN CORNELL CBE.

A Thanksgiving Service for the life of Johnny Cornell will be held at Winchester Cathedral on Monday 23rd September 2013 at 11am.