34 Facts About Stephen Weir

Stephen Weir served in a number of postings around the country until the outbreak of the Second World War.

Stephen Weir was Commander, Royal Artillery of the 2nd New Zealand Division for two years, and in the absence of its nominal commanding officer, Major-General Bernard Freyberg, led the division for a period in 1944.

Stephen Weir retired from the military to become ambassador to Thailand in 1961.

Stephen Weir ceased his diplomatic career in 1967 and died in Tauranga two years later.

Cyril Ettrick Stephen Weir, born in Otago, New Zealand on 5 October 1904, was the son of a farmer and his wife.

Stephen Weir was educated at Otago Boys' High School, where he was part of the school's cadet group.

Stephen Weir graduated in 1921 and the following year moved to Wellington where he was employed at the Stamp Duties Department.

Stephen Weir was interested in a career in the military but no opportunities were available for officer cadets in the New Zealand Military Forces at the time.

Stephen Weir was the successful applicant, with his experience as a school cadet and as a territorial a factor in the decision by the military authorities to award him the cadetship.

Stephen Weir completed his studies and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the New Zealand Artillery in 1927.

Stephen Weir was seconded to Royal Artillery units while in England and returned to New Zealand the following year.

Stephen Weir received a promotion to captain in 1935 and married the next year.

Stephen Weir helped with the formation of various artillery units before being promoted to major and appointed commander, with the rank of acting lieutenant-colonel of the 6th Field Regiment of the New Zealand Artillery.

Stephen Weir departed New Zealand with his command and a large contingent of the 2NZEF in early 1940.

Stephen Weir had to deal with a near mutiny by some of the soldiers aboard when the ship stopped at Bombay, due to the poor quality food being loaded there.

Stephen Weir took the men's concerns seriously and did his best to resolve them, antagonising port officials.

Stephen Weir performed well during the Battle of Greece in April 1941 and was recognised with the Distinguished Service Order.

Stephen Weir became commander of the divisional artillery in November 1941, after the previous CRA, Brigadier Reginald Miles, was captured.

Stephen Weir had himself narrowly avoided being captured while supervising the retreat of the 6th Field Regiment during the Battle of Sidi Rezegh, the same action that saw Miles made a prisoner of war.

The division was transferred to the Italian Front as part of the British Eighth Army, with Stephen Weir continuing as CRA.

Stephen Weir ably led the division during the battles of Rimini, Bellaria and Rubicone.

Stephen Weir relinquished command on Freyberg's return to the division in October 1944.

In November 1944 Stephen Weir was promoted to temporary major-general and given command of the British 46th Infantry Division, the only officer of a Dominion army to lead a British division during the Second World War.

Stephen Weir led his new command during its crossing of the Lamone River and at the end of the year was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his work in Italy.

The 46th Division supervised the disarmament of guerrilla forces in Greece, work which was personally recognised with Stephen Weir receiving the Greek Cross of Valour.

Stephen Weir relinquished command of 46th Division in September 1946, and returned to his nominal rank of brigadier.

Stephen Weir sought a transfer to the British Army but was thwarted by logistic constraints.

In 1952, Stephen Weir was appointed Quartermaster General of the New Zealand Army.

Stephen Weir worked to improve relations with the military of the United States.

Stephen Weir became a military consultant to the New Zealand Government, working in the Prime Minister's Department and advising the Prime Minister, Walter Nash, on military matters affecting foreign affairs.

Stephen Weir retired from the military after his appointment as ambassador to Thailand in 1961.

Stephen Weir's remit included representation in Laos and the Republic of Vietnam and he was influential in New Zealand governmental policy towards the developing Vietnam War.

Stephen Weir retired in 1967 and returned to New Zealand to settle in Tauranga.

Stephen Weir died on 24 September 1969 and was survived by his wife of 33 years, Betty, and three sons.