29 Facts About Carl Jess

In 1899, Jess joined the First Victorian Volunteer Cadets, rising to the rank of sergeant.

Carl Jess was promoted to sergeant major on 1 January 1907.

Carl Jess returned to Victoria as brigade major of the 15th Infantry Brigade.

Carl Jess joined the Australian Imperial Force himself in Melbourne on 23 September 1914, having been selected for the post of staff captain with the 4th Infantry Brigade by Colonel John Monash.

Carl Jess landed at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 and served throughout the Gallipoli Campaign.

Carl Jess became brigade major of the 2nd Brigade on 23 May 1915 with the rank of major, serving with distinction in the front line, most notably alongside Lieutenant Colonel Bennett in the attack on the German Officers' Trench on 7 August 1915.

Carl Jess was well known by Australian Diggers for his courage at Gallipoli and his cool head in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

Carl Jess was gassed at Pozieres and refused to leave his post and for this he was twice Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 1 January 1917.

On 19 November 1916 Carl Jess was appointed first commandant of the I Anzac Corps School but on 27 November he was recalled to temporarily command 2nd Brigade.

On 8 September 1917, Carl Jess was appointed the task of GSO2 at I Anzac Corps Headquarters.

Carl Jess was promoted to major in the AMF on 1 January 1918, lieutenant colonel on 3 June 1918, colonel and temporary brigadier general on 7 October 1918, taking over the 10th Infantry Brigade.

Carl Jess took over the AIF Training Depot at Codford, England in March 1919 and in July, he became Commandant of the AIF Administrative Headquarters in London.

Carl Jess replaced Monash as Director General of Repatriation, and then General Sir William Birdwood as General Officer Commanding AIF, he finally completed the AIF's affairs overseas in January 1920.

On termination of his AIF appointment on 21 January 1920, Carl Jess reverted to his permanent rank of lieutenant colonel.

Carl Jess attended the Staff College at Camberley, and after the birth of his first son, Carl McGibbon Jess in 1921, he and his family returned to Australia, receiving a civic welcome from his home town of Bendigo.

Carl Jess became a staff officer with the 4th Division in May 1921.

Carl Jess's second son, John David Jess was born in Melbourne in 1922.

Carl Jess was promoted to full colonel in 1926 and became commandant of the 5th Military District in August 1927.

Carl Jess was promoted to brigadier in January 1929 and was aide-de-camp to the Governor General from 1931 to 1935.

Carl Jess was involved in organising the centennial celebrations in Western Australia and then in 1933 in Victoria.

In December 1934, Carl Jess was appointed adjutant general, and became a member of the Military Board.

Carl Jess was promoted to the rank of major general in July 1935.

When Blamey was appointed to command the 6th Division in September 1939, Carl Jess transferred from Adjutant General to this post.

Carl Jess became Director of Women's National Services in 1943 and organised the Australian Women's Land Army.

Carl Jess's work was unfinished when he went on sick leave in July 1945.

Carl Jess died from pulmonary tuberculosis at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Melbourne on 16 June 1948 and was cremated with full military honours.

Carl Jess was a prolific artist; when he joined the Victorian Volunteer Cadets in 1899, he started making artworks of the uniforms of various units.

Carl Jess's hand carved and painted models of military figures were exhibited and housed at the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

Carl Herman Jess married Marjorie Mary McGibbon at St Luke's Anglican Church, North Fitzroy, Melbourne, on 15 July 1914.