Alan Hollick Ramsay CB CBE DSO (1895 - 1973)

Born 12 Mar 1895 in Windsor, Victoria (Australia)

Ancestors

Husband of Edna Mary (Watson) Ramsay — married 22 Dec 1924 in Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia

Died 19 Sep 1973 at age 78 in Armadale, Victoria, Australia

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Biography

Alan Ramsay CB CBE DSO is Notable.

Major General Sir Alan Ramsay C CBE DSO MSM ED was an Australian educator and a senior officer in the Australian Army. Having served as a soldier, non-commissioned officer and junior officer in the First World War, he he was appointed a divisional commander during the operations in New Britain and Bougainville respectively during the Second World War. He was later appointed Director of Education in Victoria.

formative years

Alan Hollick Ramsay was born on 12th March 1895 at Windsor, Victoria (Australia). He was a son of Charles Ramsay and Frances Hollick.^[1] He attended Melbourne Continuation (High) School, where he enjoyed participating in the Federal Government's compulsory cadet scheme. He would climb the 'ladder' from cadet to general during his military career. He would also later be appointed principal of the school. Upon completion of his formal education, Ramsay became a probationary teacher in 1912 for the Victorian Education Department.^[2]

first world war

Alan Ramsay CB CBE DSO is an Anzac who served in World War One.

Ramsay enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 1st October 1915, and was deployed to the Middle East (Sinai and Palestine) with the 4th Field Artillery Brigade as a Gunner. By late 1917 he had been promoted Sergeant. He ended his term with the AIF on 2nd August 1919 as a Lieutenant,^[3] He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) on 6th March 1918; his citation reading: "During October and November, 1917, this NCO was continually with his battery. On several occasions through casualties his detachment was reduced to one man, with whose assistance he continued to man his gun, refusing to be relieved. At all times his conduct had set a fine example for the men of his battery."^[4]

life between wars

Ramsay returned to teaching after the war and earned a Diploma of Education (DipEd) as well as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. He taught variously at Lee Street State School in Carlton; Essendon High School; Coburg High School; and University High School, Melbourne. He also maintained an interest in military service, and remained active in the militia. In 1930, while still a teacher, he was appointed commander of the 10th Field Artillery Brigade. He was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (ED) in 1939 upon completion of twenty years' service as an officer in the militia.^[2]

On 22nd December 1924 in the Congregational Church, Ascot Vale, he married Edna Mary Watson, with whom he would have a son and a daughter.^[5]

second world war

Alan Ramsay CB CBE DSO is a Military Veteran.
Served in the 2nd Australian Imperial Force 1939-45
2/2nd Field Regiment; 9th Division Artillery

With the break out of the Second World War Ramsay did not hesitate to join the newly formed Second Australian Imperial Force (2AIF), and was placed in command of the 2/2nd Field Regiment.^[6] He was in charge of the artillery of the 9th Division during the siege of Tobruk and, as a result of his conduct there, on 9th September 1942 was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). His citation reads: "For enthusiasm, energy, tact and judgement at Matruth and Tobruk."^[7] Ramsay also planned the artillery barrage that supported the 9th Division's actions on 30th October during the Second Battle of El Alamein. This required the co-ordination of 360 guns across fifteen regiments. He was appointed to the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on 11th February 1943 as well as being mentioned in despatches. His DSO citation read: "In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East. For outstanding leadership and ability at El Alamein in the period October-November 1942."^[8]

In January 1944, Ramsay was made a temporary Major General and appointed commander of the 5th Australian Division, which was then serving in the New Guinea campaign. He was mentioned in despatches twice more during his time in command, as well as being appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) on 14th February 1946. His CB citation reads: "In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the South-West Pacific. For distinguished services against the Japanese in New Britain."^[9] Ramsay ended his term with the AIF upon the disbandment of II Corps on 26th September 1945. Aged just 50 years, he opted to be placed on the Reserve of Officers rather than pursue a senior Army career.^[2]

service to his community

Returning to civilian life, in 1946 Ramsay was appointed principal of his alma mater, Melbourne High School. In early remarks to parents he stressed the school's academic achievements, but emphasized the need for boys to develop a responsibility to each other and the broader community.^[2]

He was appointed Director of Education for Victoria in 1948, charged with re-organising the education system after years of funding neglect due to the war. There was a large increase in the natural birth rate, or "baby boom", as well as a massive increase in immigration in Victoria; as indeed throughout Australia. In addition, the age for school admission was lowered by the governemnt to five years in 1946, and since the war there was a substantial increase in students continuing into high school. This led to a sharp rise in demand for school places, which the Department of Education were obliged to meet. Over twelve years, Ramsay introduced a number of programmes directed towards teacher recruitment and training, as well as school infrastucture. He retired in 1960, aged 65 years. In recognition of his education administration he was created Knight Bachelor in 1961.^[2]

Ramsay was an active member of the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial (Returned Services) League of Australia, and the Naval and Military Club; helping to ensure that veterans and their families, present and future, were treated with the utmost gratitude and respect. He was appointed a trustee of the Shrine of Remembrance. Throughout two world wars in which he saw much action, Ramsay maintained his stong Christian faith. He served as an elder of the Ewing Memorial Presbyterian Church, East Malvern, and as its Sunday School superintendent.^[2] The congregation of Ewing Memorial Church have since joined the Uniting Church of Australia and continue to serve the East Malvern community.^[10]

Sir Alan Ramsay passed away on 19th September 1973 at Armadale, Victoria;^[11] survived by his wife of 48 years, their son and daughter, and grandchildren.

list of awards, honours and medals

• Companion of the Order of the Bath
• Commander of the Order of the British Empire
• Distinguished Service Order
• Mentioned in Despatches (three times)
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Efficiency Decoration
• 1914/1915 Star
• British War Medal
• Victory Medal
• 1939-1945 Star
• Africa Star
• Pacific Star
• War Medal 1939-45
• Defence Medal
• Australia Service Medal 1939-1945

Sources

1. ↑ Victoria Birth Index #15193/1895
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5} Wikipedia: Alan Ramsay; accessed 13 Jun 2018
3. ↑ Australian War Memorial nominal roll: Alan Hollick Ramsay; accessed 13 Jun 2018
4. ↑ Traces of War: Alan Ramsay; accessed 13 Jun 2018
5. ↑ Victoria Marriage Index #12896/1924
6. ↑ Australian_War_Memorial_Nominal_Roll:_VX27_Alan_Ramsay; accessed 13 Jun 2018
7. ↑ Traces of War: Alan Ramsay; accessed 13 Jun 2018
8. ↑ Traces of War: Alan Ramsay; accessed 13 Jun 2018
9. ↑ Traces of War: Alan Ramsay; accessed 13 Jun 2018
10. ↑ Ewing Memorial Church
11. ↑ Victoria Death Index #23540/1973

See also

• Gower, S N. Ramsay, Sir Alan Hollick (1895–1973). Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, published first in hardcopy 2002; accessed online 13 Jun 2018.
• Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company: Sir Alan Hollick Ramsay; accessed 13 Jun 2018.