• Singapore and Malaya during the early stages of the Malayan
Emergency, combating communist insurgents.
• Senior Instructor at the School of Artillery (1963–1965),
shaping future generations of ofcers.
• Commanding Ofcer of 95 Commando Light Regiment, Royal
Artillery (1965–1968), deployed to Borneo during the Indonesia–
Malaysia confrontation.
• Commander, Carrier-Borne Ground Liaison Section (1968 –
1969), ensuring close coordination between air and ground
operations.
• Head of Recruiting and Liaison, Western Command (1969–
1972).
In 1969, in recognition of his long and distinguished service, Paddy
was appointed Ofcer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
He retired from the Army on 8 November 1978, his 55th birthday, after
37 years of service.
Life After Service
Retirement did not end Paddy’s military duty. He became librarian at
the Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill, preserving the heritage of the
regiment he loved. A keen horseman, he served as Secretary of the
Royal Artillery Hunt and as a paddock steward at Larkhill point-to-point
races. He also gave his time to his community, serving on the West
Lavington Parish Council and as a governor of Dauntsey’s School.
Family Life:
Paddy married twice: rst to Helen Sylvia Hobhouse in 1954, and later
to Bridget ‘birdie’ Elizabeth Cavenagh in 1957, who survived him. He
had two children, Charles and Louise who died in 1986.
Colonel Patrick Rupert Richard de Burgh, OBE, passed away on 7
December 2010, aged 87. His life was a testament to service, leadership,
and the enduring spirit of the British Army.