In Memoriam

MAJOR GENERAL DAVID MCDOWALL CBE FIET FBCS FCMI

(1954 – 2025)

It is with profound sadness the Royal Signals Institution records the passing of Major General David McDowall CBE on 23 April 2025.

David McDowall was born in Stranraer, Southwest Scotland, in 1954. He enlisted into the Army as a soldier in 1972, training as a Radio Telegraphist with the Royal Corps of Signals. He spent the following 6 years serving throughout the world, becoming a Class 1 tradesman and achieving the rank of Corporal. He was selected for a commission and attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1978.  

Over the following years he commanded at Troop, Squadron, Regiment and Brigade level, completing tours in Northern Ireland, Germany, Cyprus, and the Balkans. He completed his journey from Signaller to Signal Officer in Chief in 2002 when he became Head of Arm for the Royal Signals.  He completed the journey from Junior Non-Commissioned Officer to General Officer Commanding when he assumed command of the United Kingdom 2nd Division, the Army in Scotland, Northern England, and Northern Ireland in 2007. During this tour he was also Her Majesty’s Governor of Edinburgh Castle. His final act in the British Army was to perform as the Lone Piper at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

On leaving the Army he was appointed as Vice President of Strategic Planning for Selex Communications. This role kept him in close contact with the Defence community with whom he had served as a soldier. He also assisted Leonardo (in the UK and Italy) to develop solutions that deliver “Decisive Operational Advantage at the most affordable price”.    

He was Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Hospital Chelsea from 2014 to 2015 and the Chair of the Army Cadets Association from 2014 to 2019. He assumed the role of Chair of the Royal Signals Association in March 2020 and President of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association in 2024, holding both appointments until his death on the 23 April 2025. 

General David was amongst the strongest supporters of the Royal Signals Institution and was awarded the Agar Memorial Prize in 1979.

A Eulogy for David McDowall delivered at his Memorial Service by Lt Gen Sir Nick Pope KCB CBE on 20^th June 2025 - please follow the link below.

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