15 Facts About Frank Hassett

Frank Hassett joined the Australian Army in 1935 upon gaining entrance into the Royal Military College, Duntroon.

In 1951, Frank Hassett was appointed to command the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in Korea, where he led the unit through some of the toughest fighting of the war.

Frank Hassett was born on 11 April 1918, in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville.

Frank Hassett began his course at the college in March 1935, aged 16, and soon proved himself a capable cadet.

Frank Hassett excelled at military subjects and excelled in the College rugby, boxing, equestrian and athletics teams, later captaining the rugby XV.

Frank Hassett was Mentioned in Despatches for his actions.

When Japan entered the war, Frank Hassett planned and controlled the brigade's embarkation from Suez and return to Australia, learning on his arrival that he had been promoted to lieutenant colonel.

In 1948, Frank Hassett was posted as a staff officer to the 2nd Division, remaining in this position until March 1951, when he assumed command of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

In June 1951, Frank Hassett was sent to Korea to assume command of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

In 1954, Frank Hassett served as a marshal for Queen Elizabeth II's world tour, and was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order for his service.

In 1971 Frank Hassett was appointed Vice Chief of the General Staff and tasked with implementing the organisational reforms he had initiated, as well as supervising the end of conscription, the withdrawal of Australian troops from Vietnam, and the consequential organisational changes brought about by a reduction in Army manpower.

In 1973 Frank Hassett was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed Chief of the General Staff.

In June 1976 Frank Hassett was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

In 2006, after a sizable donation was made to the Royal Australian Regiment Foundation by the pair, the Frank Hassett Award was established in order to annually honour junior leadership within the regiment.

General Frank Hassett died at his home on 11 June 2008 after a long battle with illness.