Who Was Lieutenant General Sir Reginald George Pollard?
Sir Reginald George Pollard, born on January 20, 1903, in Bathurst, New South Wales, was a distinguished and influential figure in the Australian Army. His career spanned over four decades, during which he rose to become one of Australia’s most respected military leaders.
Early Career and Training
Pollard’s journey began at Duntroon, where he graduated in 1924. This institution, much like a seedbed for future officers, nurtured his early years in the military. His first postings saw him serving as adjutant and quartermaster in various battalions of the Citizens Military Forces (CMF) during the 1920s and 1930s.
World War II and Beyond
The outbreak of World War II cut short his staff training in England, leading him to join the Second Australian Imperial Force in June 1940. His actions during this period were marked by bravery and leadership; he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his efforts at Gona and Sanananda.
Post-War Roles
After the war, Pollard held various roles including recruit training, land/air warfare, administration, and planning. His promotion to brigadier in 1953 saw him take command of the Australian Army Component of the British Commonwealth Forces Korea. In 1954, he was appointed a major general and served as Quartermaster General.
Chief of the General Staff
In July 1960, Pollard succeeded Lieutenant General Sir Ragnar Garrett as Chief of the General Staff (CGS). As CGS, he oversaw a significant restructure of the Army, moving from a triangular to a pentropic structure. This change was inspired by the United States military and aimed at enhancing operational flexibility.
Later Career and Honours
Pollard’s later career included serving as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Australian Regiment and Australian Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II during her 1970 visit. He was knighted in 1961, and his contributions were recognized with several honors, including being made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
Legacy
Sir Reginald George Pollard passed away on March 9, 1978, at Wyrallah, New South Wales. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the Australian Army and its structure during a critical period of the nation’s history.
Reginald George Pollard’s life and career were a testament to the dedication and leadership required in military service. His journey from Duntroon to becoming Chief of the General Staff is a story of resilience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to his country.
In summary, Sir Reginald George Pollard’s life was one of service, sacrifice, and significant contributions to Australia’s military. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders in the Australian Army.
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This page is based on the article Reg Pollard (general) published in Wikipedia (retrieved on December 11, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
