Tribute paid to 'charming' General Sir Geoffrey Howlett who has died aged 92

Former British Army officer General Sir Geoffrey Howlett has died aged 92.

In addition to a decorated military career, Gen Sir Geoffrey was the Chair of SSVC Trustees between 1990 and 1999.

SSVC is the former name for Forces News' parent company, BFBS. 

BFBS Vice Chairman, Howard Perlin, worked with Gen Sir Geoffrey and paid tribute to him.

He said: "I had the enormous pleasure of working with Geoffrey Howlett from when I joined the Board as a Trustee in 1994 to when he retired as Chairman in 1999.

"He then became a Life Vice-President and regularly attended our AGMs until very recently. He was a charming man and chaired the charity with great skill and diplomacy.

"Notwithstanding his amazing military career, he was very modest and more interested in talking about horseracing and cricket rather than his own achievements in the Army.

"As Chairman, he always encouraged everyone to do the very best for our beneficiaries and was delighted whenever we were able to do something extra for the military. It was a privilege to know him, and he will be greatly missed."

Gen Sir Geoffrey spent 40 years with the Paras and was Commander in Chief of allied forces in northern Europe during the Cold War.