John Whitelaw (1921–2010)
Encyclopedia
Major General
John Stewart Whitelaw AO
CBE
(11 June 1921– 18 June 2010) was a career soldier in the Australian Army
who rose to the position of Deputy Chief of the General Staff
(1977–1978). In retirement he was very active on many councils and committees.
into the military family of Major General John Whitelaw
and his wife Esther Augusta née Norman. His brothers Fred and Norm also served as Artiliery officers, Fred as a brigadier and Norm as a major. He attended schools in both rural and urban Victoria
and from an early age displayed a penchant for mathematics. He attended Sydney Boys High School
and Wesley College, Melbourne
. In 1937 he commenced working as an indentured clerk with the paper merchants Spicers & Detmold Ltd in Melbourne.
His wartime service saw duty with: Arty Wing RTD, Royal Australian Artillery 10 Field Brigade; Eastern Command, 2 Military District; and 9 Field Brigade, 14 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Whilst with Eastern Command, he was responsible for coastal defence on the Eastern seaboard. This experience exposed Whitelaw to radar, and he recognised this technology's potential and became a firm proponent of its use for domestic defence.
Whitelaw saw active service in New Guinea and Bougainville. He was wounded in action on Bougainville, however he remained on duty. Captain Whitelaw earned a mention in despatches on 6 June 1944 during and amphibious assult onto Porton Plantation to cut off the withdrawing Japanese.
When the Citizen Military Force (CMF) was restructured, Captain Whitelaw returned to the Active List with Headquarters Western Command on 4 July 1948. He applied for a commission in the Interim Army, and on 1 July 1949 began a full-time army career which consumed him for the next 29 years during which he rose to become a major general and Deputy Chief of the General Staff.
He served in several staff positions associated with movement control. He also served as Aide de Campe to the Governor of Western Australia. He was transferred to the Australian Regular Army (ARA) on 15 August 1952.
During 1955, Major Whitelaw, Nancy and their three young daughters enjoyed the Canadian Staff College at Kingston. He was subsequently appointed as the Exchange Instructor in Canada for the following 2 years.
Whitelaw continued to serve in various staff positions, which included: Headquarters Australian Army Force, Far East Land Force (FARELF); Chief of Operations, Operations Branch Army Office; and Army Headquarters, Canberra DEP (Director Equipment Policy). He also saw service in Vietnam and the United States.
On 21 April 1977, Whitelaw was appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Department of Defence (Army Office). Whitelaw served in this position until 11 June 1978 when he retired from Australian Regular Army and was placed on Retired List, 2 Military District.
and served on numerous councils including the Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council, and the Australian Capital Territory Treatment Monitoring Committee. Major General Whitelaw continued to write on military and social topics.
In November 2006 he was presented with Honorary Life Membership of the USI of the ACT, (Royal United Services Institute
), in recognition of his enduring support of the organisation and its aims.
He died on Friday 18 June 2010; a military funeral was held at the Anzac Memorial Chapel, Duntroon at 1300hrs on Thursday 24 June 2010.
in 1943.
His medals include the 1939–45 Star, Pacific Star
, War Medal 1939–1945
, Australia Service Medal 1939–45, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975
with clasp Vietnam, Vietnam Campaign Medal
, Coronation Medal
and United States of America Bronze Star
.
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Major General (Australia)
Major General is a senior rank of the Australian Army, and was created as a direct equivalent of the British military rank of Major General. It is the third-highest active rank of the Australian Army, and is considered to be equivalent to a two-star rank...
John Stewart Whitelaw AO
AO
-Science and technology:* .ao, top-level Internet domain code for Angola* Adaptive optics, an astronomical imaging technology* Arctic oscillation, a climate pattern* The AMSAT-OSCAR satellite naming convention...
CBE
CBE
CBE and C.B.E. are abbreviations for "Commander of the Order of the British Empire", a grade in the Order of the British Empire.Other uses include:* Chemical and Biochemical Engineering...
(11 June 1921– 18 June 2010) was a career soldier in the Australian Army
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
who rose to the position of Deputy Chief of the General Staff
Deputy Chief of Army (Australia)
The Deputy Chief of Army is the second most senior appointment in the Army, responsible to the Chief of Army . The rank associated with the position is Major General...
(1977–1978). In retirement he was very active on many councils and committees.
Early years
Whitelaw was born on 11 June 1921 in Hawthorn, VictoriaHawthorn, Victoria
Hawthorn is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, east from Melbourne's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Boroondara...
into the military family of Major General John Whitelaw
John Whitelaw (general)
Major General John Stewart Whitelaw CB, CBE was a senior officer in the Australian Army. Whitelaw was a graduate of the first intake of the Royal Military College, Duntroon and served briefly at Gallipoli with an infantry battalion during the First World War...
and his wife Esther Augusta née Norman. His brothers Fred and Norm also served as Artiliery officers, Fred as a brigadier and Norm as a major. He attended schools in both rural and urban Victoria
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
and from an early age displayed a penchant for mathematics. He attended Sydney Boys High School
Sydney Boys High School
Sydney Boys High School is an academically selective public secondary school for boys, located in the City of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, with 1,180 students, from years 7 to 12...
and Wesley College, Melbourne
Wesley College, Melbourne
Wesley College, Melbourne is an independent, co-educational, Christian day school in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Established in 1866, the college is a school of the Uniting Church in Australia. Wesley is the largest school in Australia by enrolment, with 3,511 students and 564 full-time staff...
. In 1937 he commenced working as an indentured clerk with the paper merchants Spicers & Detmold Ltd in Melbourne.
Militia and WW II
On 11 June 1939, he enlisted in the Militia and served with 10 Field Brigade, Royal Australian Artillery. During his time with the Militia, he rose to the rank of Sergeant and served in Regimental and instructional positions. Based on his abilities and education, he was appointed a Provisional Lieutenant on 15 March 1940. He served with the Citizen Military Force (Full Time Duty) from 1 May 1940 to 25 September 1941, and the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) from 26 September 1941 to 9 September 1946.His wartime service saw duty with: Arty Wing RTD, Royal Australian Artillery 10 Field Brigade; Eastern Command, 2 Military District; and 9 Field Brigade, 14 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. Whilst with Eastern Command, he was responsible for coastal defence on the Eastern seaboard. This experience exposed Whitelaw to radar, and he recognised this technology's potential and became a firm proponent of its use for domestic defence.
Whitelaw saw active service in New Guinea and Bougainville. He was wounded in action on Bougainville, however he remained on duty. Captain Whitelaw earned a mention in despatches on 6 June 1944 during and amphibious assult onto Porton Plantation to cut off the withdrawing Japanese.
Post WW II
Following the cessation of hostilities, in September 1946 he returned to his job with Spicers in Melbourne. In December 1947 he married Nancy Bogle, and in 1948, Spicers transferred him to their Perth office.When the Citizen Military Force (CMF) was restructured, Captain Whitelaw returned to the Active List with Headquarters Western Command on 4 July 1948. He applied for a commission in the Interim Army, and on 1 July 1949 began a full-time army career which consumed him for the next 29 years during which he rose to become a major general and Deputy Chief of the General Staff.
He served in several staff positions associated with movement control. He also served as Aide de Campe to the Governor of Western Australia. He was transferred to the Australian Regular Army (ARA) on 15 August 1952.
During 1955, Major Whitelaw, Nancy and their three young daughters enjoyed the Canadian Staff College at Kingston. He was subsequently appointed as the Exchange Instructor in Canada for the following 2 years.
Whitelaw continued to serve in various staff positions, which included: Headquarters Australian Army Force, Far East Land Force (FARELF); Chief of Operations, Operations Branch Army Office; and Army Headquarters, Canberra DEP (Director Equipment Policy). He also saw service in Vietnam and the United States.
On 21 April 1977, Whitelaw was appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Department of Defence (Army Office). Whitelaw served in this position until 11 June 1978 when he retired from Australian Regular Army and was placed on Retired List, 2 Military District.
Retirement
Following his retirement from the military, Major General Whitelaw maintained close ties with veteran and Service organisations. On 20 July 1979, he became the inaugural executive director of the National Farmers Federation. He was active with the Department of Veterans AffairsDepartment of Veterans Affairs
Department of Veterans Affairs may refer to:*Department of Veterans' Affairs, Australia*United States Department of Veterans Affairs*Veterans Affairs Canada*Ministry of Patriots' and Veterans' Affairs...
and served on numerous councils including the Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council, and the Australian Capital Territory Treatment Monitoring Committee. Major General Whitelaw continued to write on military and social topics.
In November 2006 he was presented with Honorary Life Membership of the USI of the ACT, (Royal United Services Institute
Royal United Services Institute
The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies , officially still known by its old name, the Royal United Services Institution, is a British defence and security think tank. It was founded in 1831 by The Duke of Wellington.RUSI describes itself asIt won Prospect Magazine's...
), in recognition of his enduring support of the organisation and its aims.
He died on Friday 18 June 2010; a military funeral was held at the Anzac Memorial Chapel, Duntroon at 1300hrs on Thursday 24 June 2010.
Personal
In retirement, Whitelaw and his wife, Mrs Nancy Lockhart Whitelaw, continued to reside in Canberra. He was survived by his wife, their three daughters, and many grandchildren.Honours
Major General Whitelaw’s honours include: Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) awarded in 1977; Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1971, as well as Mentioned in DispatchesMentioned in Dispatches
A soldier Mentioned in Despatches is one whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which is described the soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy.In a number of countries, a soldier's name must be mentioned in...
in 1943.
His medals include the 1939–45 Star, Pacific Star
Pacific Star
The Pacific Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II. It was also awarded to certain foreign servicemen, such as Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz of the United States.-Entitlement:...
, War Medal 1939–1945
War Medal 1939–1945
The War Medal 1939–1945 was a British decoration awarded to those who had served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy full-time for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea...
, Australia Service Medal 1939–45, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975
Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975
The Australian Active Service Medal 1945–1975 recognises the service of Australian Defence Force and certain other persons in prescribed warlike operations in the period after World War II, and prior to February 1975...
with clasp Vietnam, Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is...
, Coronation Medal
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.-Issue:For Coronation and Jubilee medals, the practice up until 1977 was that United Kingdom authorities decided on a total number to be produced, then allocated a proportion to...
and United States of America Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
.
Summaries
| Name: | Major General John WHITELAW, AO, CBE, (RL) |
| Date of Birth: | 11 June 1921 Hawthorn VIC |
| Next of Kin: | Mrs Nancy Lockhart WHITELAW (wife) |
Service details
| Militia | 11 June 1939 | 30 April 1940 |
| Citizen Military Force (F.T.D.) | 1 May 1940 | 25 September 1941 |
| Australian Imperial Force (AIF) | 26 September 1941 | 9 Sept 1946 |
| Reserve of Officers/Active Citizen Military Forces | 10 September 1946 | 4 July 1948 |
| Interim Army | 5 July 1948 | 14 August 1952 |
| Australian Regular Army (ARA) | 15 August 1952 | 11 June 1978 |
Service numbers
| Militia | 448616 |
| Citizen Military Forces | N72757 |
| Australian Imperial Force (AIF) | NX76407 |
| Reserve of Officers/Active Citizen Military Forces | 510427 |
| Interim Army | WX700067 |
| Australian Regular Army (ARA) | 57506 |
Promotion details
| 11 June 1939 | Enlisted in Militia |
| 14 September 1939 | Promoted to Bombardier |
| 27 November 1939 | Promoted to Lance Sergeant |
| 17 January 1940 | Promoted to Sergeant |
| 15 March 1940 | Appointed a Lieutenant (Provisional) |
| 20 June 1942 | Promoted Temporary Captain |
| 11 March 1943 | Promoted to Captain |
| 1 July 1950 | To be Captain (Australian Staff Corps) |
| 16 December 1955 | Promoted Temporary Major |
| 1 July 1956 | Promoted to Major |
| 15 March 1961 | Promoted Temporary Lieutenant Colonel |
| 1 December 1963 | Promoted Lieutenant Colonel |
| 20 December 1967 | Promoted Temporary Colonel |
| 8 February 1969 | Promoted Colonel |
| 23 March 1971 | Promoted Temporary Brigadier |
| 14 August 1972 | Promoted to Brigadier |
| 29 April 1974 | Promoted Temporary Major General |
| 25 August 1975 | Promoted Major General |
Overseas service
| New Guinea | 13 February 1944 | to | 6 August 1944 |
| New Guinea/Bougainville | 22 September 1944 | to | 9 January 1945 |
| Bougainville | 11 March 1945 | to | 9 July 1946 |
| Canada | 8 December 1954 | to | 10 February 1958 |
| New Guinea | 13 June 1961 | to | 27 June 1961 |
| 25 March 1962 | to | 3 April 1962 | |
| 9 May 1962 | to | 11 May 1962 | |
| 24 February 1963 | to | 28 February 1963 | |
| Thailand | 11 March 1965 | to | 14 April 1965 |
| New Guinea | 4 August 1965 | to | 7 August 1965 |
| Singapore | 26 December 1965 | to | 1 December 1967 |
| Thailand | 20 February 1966 | to | 26 February 1966 |
| Sabah/Sarawak/Brunei | 2 May 1966 | to | 7 May 1966 |
| Sabah/Sarawak | 1 August 1966 | to | 4 August 1966 |
| Borneo | 17 October 1966 | to | 22 October 1966 |
| 25 November 1966 | |||
| 12 December 1966 | to | 14 December 1966 | |
| Vietnam | 15 February 1967 | to | 20 February 1967 |
| Hong Kong/Vietnam | 5 November 1967 | to | 9 November 1967 |
| United States of America | 19 April 1968 | to | 20 May 1968 |
| Vietnam | 24 November 1968 | to | 10 December 1968 |
| 3 April 1970 | to | 18 November 1970 | |
| New Zealand | 21 February 1971 | to | 27 February 1971 |
Postings and appointments
| Enlisted in Militia, 10 Field Brigade | |
| 15 Mar 1940 | Appointed a Provisional Lieutenant |
| 1 May 1940 | Full Time Duty with Arty Wing, RTD |
| 1 Oct 1940 | Transferred from Royal Australian Artillery 10 Field Brigade to Eastern Command, 2 Military District, 9 Field Brigade |
| 10 Sep 1941 | Appointed Artillery Reinforcements Unallotted Australian Imperial Force and appointed to the General List as a Lieutenant |
| 7 Jun 1942 | Seconded to 14 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery |
| 18 Nov 1942 | Remains seconded whilst attending Number 3 Course (Junior Wing) Staff School |
| 6 Jan 1943 | Rejoins unit from course |
| 8 Jan 1943 | Transferred from 14 Australian Field Regiment |
| 6 Aug 1943 | Marched out to Number 4 Staff School Junior Course |
| 18 Jan 1944 | Ceased to be seconded (14 Field Regiment) and is transferred to 4 Australian Field Regiment (Jungle Division)(Australian Imperial Force) Royal Australian Artillery |
| 10 Jun 1945 | Wounded in action, Bougainville. Remained on duty. |
| 11 Oct 1945 | Transferred from 4 Australian Field Regiment (Junior Division)(Australian Imperial Force) Royal Australian Artillery in Field to 2/14 Australian Field Regiment (Junior Division) Royal Australian Artillery in Field |
| 5 Dec 1945 | Marched out to 8 Movement Control Group on Detachment |
| 29 Dec 1945 | Transferred to Australian Army Movement Control Staff and posted as Captain (Movement Control Organisation) 8 Australian Movement Control Group (Australian Imperial Force) |
| 29 Dec 1945 | Ceased detachment on being taken on strength |
| 9 Sep 1946 | Relinquished Appointment of Captain Movements Control Organisation, 8 Australian Movement Control Group (Australian Imperial Force |
| 10 Sep 1946 | Transferred to Reserve of Officers (Australian Army Movements Control Staff) |
| 5 Jul 1948 | Appointed from the Active Citizen Military Forces to the Interim Army in the Rank of Captain |
| 28 Sep 1948 | Marched into Headquarters Western Command as General Service Officer Grade 3 (Temporarily) from Unallotted List, Western Command |
| 1 Jul 1949 | Appointed Lieutenant (Australian Staff Corps) is seconded for service and remains and Officer of the Interim Arm in the rank of Captain |
| 25 Jul 1949 | Attached to 3 Field Regiment as A/Adjutant |
| 5 Dec 1949 | Transferred from Headquarters Western Command for duty with Headquarters 13 Infantry Brigade |
| 2 Aug 1950 | Appointed Aide de Campe to Governor of Western Australia |
| 15 Jan 1951 | Transferred to 1 Field Regiment (Royal Australian Artillery) from Headquarters 13 Infantry Brigade |
| 19 Jan 1953 | Transferred from 1 Field Regiment to Army Headquarter as General Staff Officer Grade 3, Directorate of Movement and Transport, General Service Branch |
| 8 Dec 1954 | Transferred to Personnel Seconded and Detached, Long Term Student (for Overseas Training) |
| 16 Dec 1955 | Appointed Exchange Officer, Canada for 2 years |
| 7 Feb 1958 | Transferred to Headquarters Western Command from Personnel Seconded and Detached, Long Term Student |
| 14 Mar 1961 | Transferred to Northern Command from Western Command |
| 16 Apr 1963 | Transferred from Headquarters Northern Command to Headquarters 1 Division as General Staff Officer Grade 1 |
| 26 Dec 1965 | Unit now Headquarters Australian Army Force, Far East Land Force (FARELF) |
| 27 Dec 1965 | Posting now Assistant Adjutant & Quarter Master General |
| 22 Feb 1967 | Posting now Deputy Commander |
| 1 Dec 1967 | Unit now Army Headquarters, Canberra |
| 20 Dec 1967 | Appointed DEP (Director Equipment Policy ?) |
| 27 Mar 1970 | Relinquished appointment of DEP |
| 3 Apr 1970 | Unit now Headquarters Australian Forces Vietnam (Army Component) |
| 14 Apr 1970 | Establishment Position Chief of Staff |
| 15 Nov 1970 | Relinquished appointment of Chief of Staff |
| 18 Nov 1970 | Unit now Unallotted List, Eastern Command for medical treatment |
| 1 Feb 1971 | Detached to Army Headquarters Canberra |
| 1 Mar 1971 | Unit now Army Headquarters Canberra, in establishment position of Director Military Operations & Plans |
| Establishment Position Chief of Operations, Operations Branch | |
| 29 Apr 1974 | Now Chief of Operations |
| 25 Aug 1975 | Now Chief of Personnel, Department of Defence (Army Office) |
| 21 Apr 1977 | Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Department of Defence (Army Office) |
| 11 Jun 1978 | Ceased Australian Regular Army placed on Retired List 2 Military District |
Decorations
- Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) 1977
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) CAG 81/71
- Mentioned in DispatchesMentioned in DispatchesA soldier Mentioned in Despatches is one whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which is described the soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy.In a number of countries, a soldier's name must be mentioned in...
(MID) CAG 43/47
Medals Awarded
- 1939–45 Star
- Pacific StarPacific StarThe Pacific Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II. It was also awarded to certain foreign servicemen, such as Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz of the United States.-Entitlement:...
- War Medal 1939–1945War Medal 1939–1945The War Medal 1939–1945 was a British decoration awarded to those who had served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy full-time for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea...
- Australia Service Medal 1939–45
- Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975Australian Active Service Medal 1945-1975The Australian Active Service Medal 1945–1975 recognises the service of Australian Defence Force and certain other persons in prescribed warlike operations in the period after World War II, and prior to February 1975...
with clasp Vietnam - Australian Service Medal 1945-1975Australian Service Medal 1945-1975The Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 recognises service in peacekeeping or non-warlike operations in the 30-year period following World War II, and prior to February 1975. The medal was established on 22 February 1995...
with clasp PNG - Vietnam MedalVietnam MedalThe Vietnam Medal was a joint Australian and New Zealand campaign medal awarded for service in the Vietnam War.The medal was jointly developed by Australia and New Zealand, although there were separate Royal authorisation warrants for each country....
- Coronation Medal (QEII)Queen Elizabeth II Coronation MedalThe Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal was a commemorative medal made to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.-Issue:For Coronation and Jubilee medals, the practice up until 1977 was that United Kingdom authorities decided on a total number to be produced, then allocated a proportion to...
- Queen’s Silver Jubilee MedalQueen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee MedalThe Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal was a commemorative medal created in 1977 to mark the 25th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II...
- Defence Force Service MedalDefence Force Service MedalThe Defence Force Service Medal is an Australian Military award given for long service by permanent members of the Australian Defence Force...
with First, Second, Third, and Fourth Clasps (35–39 years service) - National MedalNational Medal (Australia)The National Medal is an Australian award given for long service by operational members of specified eligible organisations. It was introduced in 1975, as an original component of the new Australian honours system, and replaced a range of medals available to military and civilian uniformed...
with First Clasp - Efficiency MedalEfficiency MedalThe Efficiency Medal was a medal of Britain and the Commonwealth awarded for long service in the Territorial Army of the UK, the Indian Volunteer Forces and Colonial Auxiliary Forces....
- Vietnam Campaign MedalVietnam Campaign MedalThe Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is...
- United States of America Bronze StarBronze Star MedalThe Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
- Return from Active Service Badge
Source Documents
- Member’s Service Records
- Medals Slip – World War II
- PM Keys
- Australian Army Orders, Gazette Notices and Supplements, General Orders & Regimental Lists
- Who’s Who in Australia
- The Australian Roll of Honour (Honoured by the Queen)(1952–1998)
- It’s an Honour Website
- Funeral notice, www.obits.com.au
- http://www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au/quiet_australians/database/extra/extra418.pdf