Accession Number | REL33160 |
---|---|
Collection type | Heraldry |
Object type | Headdress |
Physical description | Brass, Gold bullion thread, Leather, Synthetic, Wool, Wool barathea |
Maker |
Herbert Johnson, London |
Date made | 1951 |
Conflict |
Period 1950-1959 Period 1960-1969 |
Officer's peaked cap : Major General W D Refshauge, Royal Australian Army Medical Corps
Officer's khaki wool peaked cap with brown leather chinstrap, gold bullion embroidered general officer's badge, small brass AMF buttons and Medical Corps cherry red band. The cap has a leather lining around the crown and synthetic lining on the roof of the cap. Marked on the inside with the maker's details and '1951 / SIZE 7 / MADE IN ENGLAND / DD.'
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.