Field Marshal Harold Rupert Leofric George Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis KG PC GCB OM GCMG CSI DSO MC CD PC was a British military commander and field marshal who served with distinction in both world wars and, afterwards, as Governor General of Canada, the 17th since Canadian Confederation. Alexander was born in London, England, to aristocratic parents and educated at English public schools before moving on to Sandhurst for training as an army officer. He rose to prominence through his service in the First World War, receiving numerous honours and decorations, and continued his military career through various British campaigns across Europe and Asia. In the Second World War, Alexander oversaw the final stages of the evacuation from Dunkirk and subsequently had high ranking field commands in Burma, North Africa, and Italy, including Commander-in-Chief Middle East and command of 18th Army Group in Tunisia. He then commanded 15th Army Group for the capture of Sicily and again in Italy before receiving his field marshal's baton and being made Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean. He was in 1946 appointed as governor general by George VI, King of Canada, on the recommendation of Prime Minister of Canada William Lyon Mackenzie King, to replace the Earl of Athlone as viceroy, and he occupied the post until succeeded by Vincent Massey in 1952. Alexander proved to be enthusiastic about the Canadian wilderness, as well as a popular governor general with Canadians. He was the last non-Canadian-born governor general before the appointment of Adrienne Clarkson in 1999. Wikipedia [ - ]

Field Marshal Harold Rupert Leofric George Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis KG PC GCB OM... [ + ]