Lot 5159

Description

Anzac Commemorative Medal 1915, issued 1967, in bronze (50x75mm)(C.1915/3) engraved S.F.Rowell. Extremely fine.

Together with Anzac Commemorative Badge 1915 for lapel; certificate to Certify that Sydney Fairbairn Rowell having been specially commissioned from the 1st Class for service with the Australian Imperial Force is recorded as a Graduate of the Royal Military College of Australia, signed at Duntroon, 13th August 1914; photographs (9) including portraits; Journal of the Royal Military College of Australia, Jubilee issue; book 'Full Circle', Sydney 1974, the life story of Sir Sydney Rowell; Jubilee booklets (5); Form of Service for his funeral.

Lieutenant General Sir Sydney Fairbairn Rowell KBE, CB (1894-1975) was born on 15Dec1894 in Lockley, Sth Aust, educated in Adelaide and then at the Royal Military College, Duntroon when it opened in 1911. Rowell served in the Australian Army from 1914 to 1954. He was at Gallipoli with the 3rd LHR and was invalided back to Australia in 1916. In WWII he served in North Africa, Greece and Syria. He became Commander of all forces in New Guinea in 1942 when the counter campaign for Kokoda was planned. He served again in the Middle East in 1943 before becoming director of tactical investigation at the War Office in London 1944-45. From 17Apr1950 to 15Dec1954 he was Chief of General Staff of the Australian Military Forces, and knighted in 1953. He died 12Apr1975, aged 80 years.