Colonel John R Ibbotson MBE

John Richard Ibbotson was commissioned into The Parachute Regiment in October 1977 after completing officer cadet training at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

He initially served in 2 PARA and later instructed at RMAS and the Canadian Forces Command & Staff College.

John Ibbotson also served as Staff Officer (Grade 2) with 3 Armoured Division and commanded B Coy 1 PARA in Aldershot, Kenya, California, Cyprus and Crossmaglen.

He also commanded Recce Division at the School of Infantry and later 21 SAS.

Promoted to Colonel in July 2000, his subsequent appointments included Chief of Staff, Initial Training Group; Head of Ops & Plans at the Army Training and Recruiting Agency; and Deputy Chief of Staff, HQ Infantry.

John Ibbotson retired from the British Army in December 2007.