| David Pennefather | |
| Birth Date: | 17 May 1945 |
| Allegiance: | United Kingdom |
| Branch: | Royal Marines |
| Serviceyears: | 1965–1998 |
| Rank: | Major General |
| Commands: | Commandant General Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade 42 Commando |
| Battles: | The Troubles Falklands War Bosnian War |
| Awards: | Companion of the Order of the Bath Officer of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in Despatches |
Major General David Anthony Somerset Pennefather, (born 17 May 1945) is a former Royal Marines officer who served as Commandant General Royal Marines from 1996 to 1998.
Pennefather was educated at Wellington College and joined the Royal Marines in 1963.[1] He was commissioned as an acting lieutenant in 1965. He was mentioned in despatches for service during the Falklands War.
Pennefather was Commanding Officer of 42 Commando from 1988 to 1990,[2] and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1990 "in recognition of meritorious service in Northern Ireland". He became commander of 3 Commando Brigade in 1992 and commander of the United Nations Rapid Reaction Force during the Bosnian War,[3] for which he was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath. He went on to be Commandant General Royal Marines in 1996 before retiring in 1998.[4]
In retirement Pennefather became Secretary of the Royal Humane Society,[5] and a director of the Royal Naval Museum in Portsmouth.[6]