17 Facts About Alan Ramsay

Alan Ramsay attended Melbourne Continuation School, where he participated in the cadets.

Alan Ramsay enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force on 1 October 1915, and was deployed to the Middle East with the 4th Field Artillery Brigade.

Alan Ramsay served in Egypt until March 1916, at which time he was transferred to the Western Front.

Alan Ramsay was promoted, firstly to corporal in early 1917, and then within six months to sergeant.

Alan Ramsay ended his term with the AIF on 2 August 1919 as a lieutenant, having been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal the previous year.

Alan Ramsay returned to his teaching career, firstly at Lee Street State School in Carlton, Victoria, and then later at Essendon High School and Coburg High School.

Alan Ramsay had maintained an interest in military service, and was part of the Militia.

Alan Ramsay saw action during the siege of Tobruk and, as a result of his conduct there, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Alan Ramsay was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1943 as well as being mentioned in despatches.

Alan Ramsay was well thought of by the commander of the 9th Division, Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, who nominated Ramsay as his successor in the event he was wounded.

Alan Ramsay returned to Australia in February 1943 and in June was placed in command of the artillery of II Corps, which had been originally formed in 1942 for the defence of Australia and was now intended for operations in the South West Pacific Area.

Alan Ramsay went to command the division during the New Britain campaign, an operation intended to tie down Japanese troops then largely based at Rabaul.

Alan Ramsay briefly left the division to take over the 11th Division, then on Bougainville, from Major General Allan Boase in April 1945, before returning to the 5th Division in July.

Alan Ramsay was mentioned in despatches twice during his time in command of the 5th Division, as well as being made a Companion of the Order of the Bath.

Alan Ramsay ended his term with the AIF upon the disbandment of II Corps on 26 September 1945, and was placed in the Reserve of Officers.

Alan Ramsay retired in 1960 and was knighted the following year.

Alan Hollick Ramsay died on 19 September 1973 in Armadale, Victoria.