George Percy, 9th Duke of Northumberland

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George Percy, 9th Duke of Northumberland (15 July 1912 – 21 May 1940) was a British nobleman and army officer. He was the son of Alan Percy, 8th Duke of Northumberland, and Lady Helen Gordon-Lennox, and he went to Eton College. In 1935 he served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Lord Privy Seal. Known as one of Britain's most eligible bachelors, he later served in the army during World War II. He held the rank of lieutenant with the 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards and took part in the BEF retreat to Dunkirk. He was killed south of Pecq in Belgium while leading a counterattack against German troops crossing the Scheldt. He died at age 27 and is buried at Esquelmes War Cemetery. He was succeeded by his brother Hugh Percy, the 10th Duke of Northumberland. A posthumous portrait by Oswald Birley hangs at Alnwick Castle.