12 Facts About Cecil Foott

Cecil Foott was educated as an engineer and, serving with distinction in senior staff and engineering positions through the First World War, was seven times mentioned in despatches.

Cecil Henry Foott was born on 16 January 1876 at Bourke, New South Wales, the son of a station owner, Thomas Wade Foott and his wife, the poet Mary Hannay.

In 1895, Foott was commissioned into the Queensland Militia Garrison Artillery as a second lieutenant.

Cecil Foott was promoted to major on 1 August 1909, served as Director of Works from 1910 to 1911 and then as Director of Engineers from 1911 to 1912.

Cecil Foott was determined that the men should always be supplied properly, and made a point of letting the officers of the Lines of Communication, living palatially on board the Aragon, know exactly what he thought of them whenever they placed obstacles in his way.

On 23 July 1917 Cecil Foott became assistant adjutant and quartermaster general of the AIF Depots in the United Kingdom, with the temporary rank of brigadier general.

Cecil Foott called conferences of his engineers and tried to build up a sense of esprit amongst the corps.

Cecil Foott became a colonel and honorary brigadier general in the Staff Corps.

Cecil Foott served at first in the Quartermaster General's Branch at Army Headquarters.

In July 1931, Cecil Foott was transferred to the Reserve of Officers.

Cecil Foott was placed on the Retired List in February 1936 as an honorary brigadier general.

Cecil Foott died on 27 June 1942 and was buried at Berwick Cemetery.