Brigadier Jack Rose Compton Gannon CBE, MVO (1 November 1882 – 25 April 1980) was an Irish first-class cricketer and British Army officer.
[1] He was educated in England at Sutton Valence School, before attending the Royal Military College, Sandhurst as a gentleman cadet.
[9] Present in England at the outbreak of the war Gannon served initially attached to the British Army's 4th Hussars, who had made a request for available cavalry officers.
[2][13] Gannon served under Monro again as assistant director of Remounts, Waziristan Force (sourcing replacement horses for the cavalry in the field) from 3 October 1919 to 31 May 1920 and held the temporary rank of lieutenant-colonel during this time[14][15] and was again mentioned in dispatches.
[2] For his service in this role and in connection with the Prince of Wales's visit to India he was recognised with appointment as Member of the fourth class (now called a lieutenant) of the Royal Victorian Order on 11 March 1922.
[18] Gannon was placed on the Indian Army's unemployed list of officers on 1 November 1932 and retired on 7 September 1933 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
[19][20] Despite having reached the age limit for reserve officers on 1 November 1937 Gannon was recalled to active service and granted the temporary rank of colonel during the Second World War.
As a cavalryman, sportsman and Indian Army officer it was considered that he was lucky to have kept his job after the rise of General Bernard Montgomery – who held such men in disdain.
Gannon was particularly valued for his knowledge of the personalities and capabilities of the officers in this command and his advice was sought on candidates to fill any vacant positions.
[28] He was active in the administration of the sport, serving as honorary secretary of the British governing body – the Hurlingham Polo Association – from 1934 until his death.