Brigadier Sir Bernard Fergusson, GCMG, GCVO, DSO, OBE

Governor-General of New Zealand

1962 - 1967

Born in 1911, Sir Bernard was educated at Eton and Sandhurst. He served with distinction in World War II - Brigade Major 46th Infantry 1940, Middle East 1941, General Staff Officer, Wingate's Chindits 1943-44, Director of Combined Operations 1945-46. Post-war positions included command of the 1st Battalion Black Watch 1948-51.  Retired 1958.

When he became Governor-General in 1962, he followed in the footsteps of both his grandfathers, Sir James Fergusson and the Earl of Glasgow who were Governors of New Zealand and his father, Sir Charles Fergusson who was Governor-General 1924-30.

Sir Bernard was the author of 13 books. He was created Life Peer in 1972, taking the title Baron of Ballantrae after his hometown in Ayrshire, Scotland. He died in 1980.

Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack