1. George Wootten rose to the rank of temporary major general during the Second World War.
23 Facts About George Wootten
1. 2.
George Wootten was born on 1 May 1893 in Marrickville, Sydney, Australia.
3.
George Wootten was the seventh child of English, London-born migrant parents, William Frederick Wootten and Louisa Wootten, nee Old.
4.
George Wootten entered the Royal Military College, Duntroon, in 1911, and graduated in August 1914 as a lieutenant.
5.
George Wootten's graduation coincided with the outbreak of the First World War.
6.
George Wootten was posted to the 1st Battalion, went ashore at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, and was promoted to captain in May that year.
7.
George Wootten was brigade major with the 11th Brigade, then with the 9th Brigade.
8.
George Wootten was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in June 1917 for staff work.
9.
George Wootten was then appointed to the staff of the 5th Division.
10.
George Wootten was mentioned in despatches four times throughout the war.
11.
George Wootten married Muriel Frances Anna Bisgood, a nurse, at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Roehampton, London, on 3 January 1920.
12.
George Wootten resigned his commission in 1923, and moved back to London, where he worked as manager of a clothing factory.
13.
George Wootten returned to New South Wales in 1926 and became an articled clerk at West Wyalong.
14.
George Wootten was recruited by a secret, quasi-official militia organisation, the Old Guard, which had been formed in response to fears of a supposed communist revolutionary threat.
15.
George Wootten was admitted as a solicitor in July 1930, by which time he had four children.
16.
George Wootten then served as acting commander of the 16th Infantry Brigade until 20 May 1940.
17.
George Wootten was promoted to brigadier, and from 1 February 1941, he commanded the 18th Infantry Brigade, on active service in the North African campaign, including the siege of Tobruk.
18.
On 15 March 1943, George Wootten was promoted to temporary major general and became General Officer Commanding, 9th Australian Infantry Division.
19.
George Wootten died at the Repatriation General Hospital, Concord in 1970.
20.
George Wootten is buried beside his wife at the Macquarie Park Cemetery, Lane Cove, northern Sydney.
21.
In recognition of his wartime service, George Wootten was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and Companion of the Distinguished Service Order with Bar.
22.
George Wootten was awarded the US Distinguished Service Cross and Mentioned in Despatches four times.
23.
George Wootten was elevated to a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1958.