Ismay, Hastings Lionel Ismay, Baron

Ismay (of Wormington), Hastings Lionel Ismay, Baron

(born June 21, 1887, Naini Tal, India—died Dec. 17, 1965, Broadway, Worcestershire, Eng.) British soldier. A career army officer, he served in India and Africa. As Winston Churchill's chief of staff (1940–46) and closest military adviser, he participated in most major policy decisions of the Allied powers during World War II, particularly in the decision to make Germany the Allies' first-priority target and in planning for the invasion of France in 1944. After the war he served as secretary-general of NATO (1952–57).