Gordon Bennett
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Gordon Bennett may refer to one of four prominent people by that name, or a common expression or exclamation used in British English. James Gordon Bennett, Junior (1841-1918) inspired the expression, which is used to denote surprise or shock. A typical usage, for instance, might be "Gordon Bennett! Look at the size of that."
Bennett — the son of James Gordon Bennett, Senior, (1795–1872) — was a notorious New York newspaper proprietor and playboy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who became famous for his extravagant lifestyle and exploits, so much so that his name became stuck in the vernacular.
The most famous "Gordon Bennett" incident involves James Gordon Bennett, Jr arriving late and drunk at a party, at the mansion of the family of his fiancee, socialite Caroline May. Once there, he urinated into the fireplace in full view of his hosts. The engagement was broken off immediately, and a scandalized Bennett moved to France. This incident was entered into the Guiness Book of World Records, under "Greatest Engagement Faux Pas."
Henry Gordon Bennett (1887 - 1962), usually known simply as Gordon Bennett, was a controversial Australian soldier. Bennett was a decorated hero in World War I and was appointed commander of the Australian 8th Division in World War II. After Allied forces surrendered at the Battle of Singapore, in 1942, Bennett escaped by commandeering a boat; virtually all of the 8th Division became prisoners of war.
Gordon Bennett, born in Monto, Queensland in 1955, is a prominent Australian Aboriginal artist.
Gordon Bennett is also a British comic book character — named after the expression — who originally appeared in The Beano, between 1999 and 2000 as a "Guest Star". He plays pranks on Mr Nifty, the neighbour who hates him, as a result of which he shouts "Gordon Bennett!". Their relationship is similar to what the American Dennis the Menace does to his grumpy neighbour Mr. Wilson. He was running to be voted to stay in the comic but lost with Tricky Dicky and Inspector Horse and Jocky. The Three Bears won. However, after a five-year hiatus, Gordon Bennett returned to the comic in issue 3281, dated 4 June 2005. This run has changed Mr Nifty's name to Mr Nimby.