Medical officer's mess dress waistcoat : Major General W D Refshauge, Royal Australian Army Medical Corps

Medical officer's cherry red wool superfine mess dress waistcoat. The waistcoat has a dark blue silk back panel and is lined throughout with white silk. The front fastens with four small gilded brass Australian Mililtary Forces (AMF) buttons, and has two welt pockets.

Sir William Dudley Refshauge was born in Wangaratta, Victoria in 1913. Graduating in Medicine from Melbourne University in 1938, Sir William enlisted with the AIF at the outbreak of the Second World War, serving as a captain in 2 Field Ambulance (2 Fd Amb), before attaining the rank of major in 1942. While in New Guinea, Sir William was promoted to lieutenant colonel and took command of 15 Fd Amb and then 2/8 Fd Amb. It was during this time he received his recommendation for an Order of the British Empire for 'highly meritous service and devotion to duty during the operations in the WAU SALAMUA area.' During the Second World War REfshauge was also Mentioned in Despatches four times.

During the Korean War, Sir William was promoted to major general (to the post of Director General) and was awarded for his services with the Efficiency Decoration and Commander of the Order of the British Empire. In 1955 he was also appointed Queen's Honorary Physician (QHP). Leaving the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC) in 1960, Sir William pursued a highly distinguished civilian career serving as the Director General of Health for the Commonwealth of Australia until 1973, Chair of the World Health Organisation executive board (1969-70) and Secretary General of the World Medical Association (1973-76), as well as serving on numerous health boards within Australia. Sir William received his knighthood in 1966, when he was created Knight Bachelor and in 1980 he was made companion of the Order of Australia.