Susan Ridge: The First Female Major General in the British Army
Major General Susan Kerstin Ridge is a trailblazing figure in military history, recognized as the first woman to achieve the rank of major general in the British Army. A distinguished lawyer and senior officer, she broke significant gender barriers by becoming the first woman to hold a non-honorary general officer rank since the Second World War.
Throughout her career, Ridge combined her legal expertise with military leadership, culminating in her role as the Director General of the Army Legal Services Branch (DGALS). Her journey from a real estate solicitor to a two-star general reflects a career defined by professional excellence and historic firsts.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Historic Milestone: First woman to hold the rank of major general in the British Army.
- Highest Role: Director General of the Army Legal Services Branch (2015–2019).
- Legal Background: Qualified solicitor specializing in real estate law before joining the military.
- Major Honor: Appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).
- Service Span: Served in the British Army from 1992 to 2019.
Early Life and Legal Foundation
Raised in the west of England and educated in Chester, Cheshire, Susan Ridge began her academic journey at Bangor University, where she graduated with a degree in history in 1984. To transition into the legal profession, she completed a law conversion course at the College of Law, Chester Campus.
Ridge qualified as a solicitor in 1989 after serving as an articled clerk and was admitted to the Law Society of England and Wales. Between 1986 and 1992, she practiced law at Swayne Johnson Wright in north Wales, where she developed a specialization in real estate law.
Military Career and Ascent to General Rank
In February 1992, Ridge entered the British Army on a short service commission. She was commissioned as a captain in the Army Legal Services Branch of the Adjutant General's Corps, joining shortly before the dissolution of the Women's Royal Army Corps.
Her ascent through the officer ranks was steady and marked by consistent promotion:
- Major: Promoted on February 26, 1996.
- Lieutenant Colonel: Promoted on February 26, 2002.
- Colonel: Promoted on June 30, 2008.
- Brigadier: Promoted on June 30, 2012.
On September 20, 2015, Ridge made history when she was promoted to major general and appointed as the Director General of the Army Legal Services Branch. In recognition of her service, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the 2019 New Year Honours.
Major General Ridge retired from the British Army on October 18, 2019, having been succeeded by Major-General Alexander Taylor on July 5, 2019. Following her retirement, she continued her association with prestigious institutions, being appointed Lady Usher of the Scarlet Rod of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in June 2023.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of Service and Achievements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Years | 1992–2019 |
| Highest Rank | Major General |
| Primary Branch | Army Legal Services Branch (Adjutant General's Corps) |
| Key Appointment | Director General of the Army Legal Services Branch (2015–2019) |
| Notable Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) |
| Academic Honor | Honorary Fellow of Bangor University (2016) |
Personal Life and Recognition
Beyond her professional achievements, Susan Ridge is married to a fellow army officer, and they have one son. In 2016, Bangor University awarded her an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her significant services to law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Major General Susan Ridge historically significant?
She was the first woman in the history of the British Army to achieve the rank of major general and the first woman to hold a non-honorary general officer rank since the Second World War.
What was her primary role within the British Army?
She served as a legal expert, eventually becoming the Director General of the Army Legal Services Branch (DGALS) from September 2015 to July 2019.
What professional background did she have before joining the military?
Before her military service, she was a qualified solicitor admitted to the Law Society of England and Wales, specializing in real estate law in north Wales.
What honors has she received?
She was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2019 and later became the Lady Usher of the Scarlet Rod of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in 2023. She is also an Honorary Fellow of Bangor University.
When did she retire from active service?
Major General Susan Ridge officially retired from the British Army on October 18, 2019.