Arthur Tedder, 1st Baron Tedder

Tedder1943

Arthur Tedder, 1st Baron Tedder (11 July 1890 – 3 June 1967) was a senior Royal Air Force (RAF) commander. He is best known for his role as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander under General Dwight D. Eisenhower during World War II.

Early Life and Education

Arthur William Tedder was born in Glenguin, Stirlingshire, Scotland. He was the son of Sir Arthur John Tedder, who was the Commissioner of the Board of Customs and Excise. Tedder was educated at Whitgift School and later attended the University of Cambridge, where he studied history at Magdalene College.

Military Career

Early Career

Tedder was commissioned into the British Army in 1913, joining the Dorset Regiment. During World War I, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, the predecessor of the RAF, where he served with distinction.

Interwar Period

After the war, Tedder remained in the RAF and held various command and staff positions. He attended the RAF Staff College, Andover and later served as an instructor there. He also attended the Imperial Defence College.

World War II

At the outbreak of World War II, Tedder was appointed as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the RAF Middle East Command. He played a crucial role in the North African Campaign, where his innovative use of air power significantly contributed to the Allied victory.

In 1943, Tedder was appointed as the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander under General Eisenhower. He was instrumental in planning and executing the Allied invasion of Sicily and the subsequent Italian Campaign. Tedder's leadership and strategic acumen were pivotal during the Normandy landings and the liberation of Western Europe.

Post-War Career

After the war, Tedder served as the Chief of the Air Staff from 1946 to 1950. He was elevated to the peerage as Baron Tedder, of Glenguin in the County of Stirling, in 1946. Tedder also served as the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1950 to 1967.

Personal Life

Tedder married Rosalinde Maclardy in 1915, and they had three children. His son, John Michael Tedder, succeeded him as the 2nd Baron Tedder.

Legacy

Arthur Tedder is remembered as one of the most influential air commanders of the 20th century. His contributions to the development of air strategy and his leadership during World War II have left a lasting impact on military aviation.

Titles and Honors

• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire

See Also

• Royal Air Force
• World War II
• North African Campaign
• Normandy landings
• Chief of the Air Staff