Major Gerald A C Lacoste MBE

As a young man, Gerry Lacoste earned high honours at both the Brighton and Eastbourne Schools of Art and launched a successful career as an architect, designing several beautiful buildings such as the Norman Hartnells Salon in Bruton Street, London, the fireplace of which is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

In 1936, he decided to join the Territorial Army and was commissioned into the 58th Field Brigade (TA) Artillery. Here he remained until the outbreak of the Second World War, when he volunteered for service and was posted to Headquarters Western Command as GS03 Air. Due to his artistic background, Lacoste excelled as his role in Air Photographic Interpretation.

In March 1942, he was sent to No. 5 Liaison Section, with the RAF, and shortly afterwards he was promoted and transferred to 2nd Corps as a GSO2 (Air).

Lacoste joined Headquarters 6th Airborne Division in early 1943 as the GSO2 Intelligence. Working under General Sir Richard Gale, he collated intelligence, drew maps and prepared models in preparation for the Normandy Invasion. He was later awarded an MBE for his invaluable contributions to the Operation. During this time, Gerry took advantage of his creative talent and helped design many of the “Stop Careless Talk” which were produced and displayed around the country during the Second World War. Unfortunately, on the ‘D’ Day landings that he had so diligently planned, Lacoste was badly injured almost immediately and had to be evacuated back to England.

From 14 September 1944 to 1 April 1945, Lacoste served with the United States Army and was awarded the American Bronze Star for his exemplary knowledge of the Germany Army’s tactics and defences, providing invaluable intel for the Commanding General.

Long after the end of the war, Lacoste created several oil on canvas paintings, including those depicting the battle at Pegasus Bridge and Major John “Tim” Roseveare driving through Troarn under heavy fire. These paintings and many others were compiled into a booklet by Sir Huw Weldon titled, “Red Berets into Normandy.”

Additionally, Lacoste played an important role in the formation of the Airborne Assault Normandy Trust, for which he became an active trustee. He died on 22 November 1983, at the age of 75, after a brief illness.

Information compiled with help from The Pegasus Archive and The Pegasus Magazine