Allegiance United Kingdom Service/branch British Army Role British Army officer | Name John Holmes Years of service 1970–2002 Rank Major-general | |
Commands held 4th Division
Director Special Forces
5th Airborne Brigade
22 Special Air Service Regiment Battles/wars Operation Banner
Operation Barras Awards Distinguished Service Order, Order of the British Empire, Military Cross Battles and wars Operation Banner, Operation Barras | ||
Major General John Taylor Holmes (born 22 July 1949) is a former British Army officer who served as Director Special Forces from 1999 to 2001, which included command of Operation Barras in September 2000.
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Military career
Holmes was commissioned into the Scots Guards in 1970. In 1972 he was awarded the Military Cross for service in Northern Ireland. He transferred to 22 Special Air Service in 1974 and was commanding officer of the Regiment from 1989 to 1992. He then commanded the Airborne Brigade for three years. He worked for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe before being appointed Director Special Forces in 1999. He was promoted to major general in 2001 and became General Officer Commanding 4th Division before retiring in 2002.
Retirement
In 2002 he joined Inkerman, a security and risk management company. He is also a Director of Erinys International, and the founder Titon International UK.