Lt JW Hackett was Mentioned in Dispatches in 1936 for his work in Palestine.
Going on to command ‘C’ Squadron 8th Hussars, Major ‘Shan’ Hackett found himself in the unique position of falling under the command of the 4th Hussars.
For the battle of Alam el Halfa, the two regiments formed the 4th/8th Hussars, a union that proved very successful not a hundred years since they had fought alongside each other in the Crimea.
Aged just 33 years old ‘Shan’ Hackett went on to command the 4th Parachute Brigade at Arnhem where he was injured.
Brigadier Hackett also commanded the 7th Brigade, which included the 4th and 8th Hussars in 1958, and thus was able to preside over their amalgamation.
General Hackett ended his distinguished career as Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Army Group and the British Army of the Rhine.
In 1969 Sir John took over as Colonel of The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars, a post he held for seven years.
