Accession Number | 017731 |
---|---|
Collection type | Photograph |
Object type | Black & white |
Physical description | Black & white |
Maker |
Unknown Australian Official Photographer |
Place made | Australia |
Date made | 26 October 1944 |
Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Portrait of Commander Galfrey George Ormond Gatacre DSC and Bar, RAN, entered the Royal ...
Portrait of Commander Galfrey George Ormond Gatacre DSC and Bar, RAN, entered the Royal Australian Naval College on the 1 January 1921, and at the outbreak of war was serving with the Royal Navy (RN). He was mentioned in despatches in 1941, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his part in the action against Bismarck when he was serving as gunnery officer in HMS Rodney. He was at sea continuously from the outbreak of war until the end of July 1944, having served in HMS Devonshire, Norfolk, Edinburgh, Nelson and Rodney, and in May 1942, just after the Coral Sea Battle he was appointed Staff Officer (Operations), to Rear Admiral Commanding HMAS Squadron in HMAS Australia. During his term in this ship he was awarded a Bar to his DSC for his services in the Solomons campaign. He remained in HMAS Australia until February 1944, when for a short term he was transferred to HMAS Shropshire, rejoining Australia late in March 1944. Apart from his service with the RN he has taken part in the actions resulting in the landings at Cape Gloucester, in New Britain, and at Humboldt Bay, Biak and Noemfoor. He was relieved as Staff Officer (Operations) by Commander A. S. Storey DSC and Bar, RAN.