Image Gallery: June 2008
FUNERAL FOR GENERAL SIR FRANCIS HASSETT ACC, KBE, CB, DSO LVO psc, IDC, FORMER CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE STAFF
17 June 2008
On the 17th of June 2008, a funeral with full military honours was held at the Duntroon Chapel at the Royal Military College.
One of Australia’s most distinguished war time leaders, General Sir Francis Hassett AC, KBE, CB, DSO LVO psc, IDC, Chief of Defence Force Staff from 1976 to 1977 passed away on the 11 June 2008.
General Hassett entered the Royal Military College, Duntroon aged 16, graduating in 1938. His career spanning more than 42 years saw him undertake a wide variety of positions, including Chief of the Defence Force Staff.
He saw active service in World War II, Korea and Malaya. At age 23, he was the youngest officer promoted to Lieutenant Colonel during WWII, a rank at which he served with great distinction in the Korean War. As the Commander of the 3rd Battalion, of the newly formed Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), he led the Battalion through some of the toughest fighting of the Korean War.
General Hassett is best remembered for his achievements in command of an under-strength battalion at Maryang San, regarded as perhaps the single greatest feat of arms by the Australian Army in the Korean War. He went on to be an innovative leader in Malaya, developing successful counter insurgency techniques that still inform Army tactics today.
He served his nation with distinction, being mentioned in Dispatches for bravery twice and receiving an immediate Distinguished Service Order following the battle of Maryang San.
A significant, enduring legacy was his reorganisation of the Army from state based regional commands to commands based on the core functions of Training and Field Forces. As his many decorations and honours testify, General Hassett was recognised for his inspiring leadership, constant achievement and his relentless dedication to duty, in a sequence of tough and challenging appointments.
General Hassett served as Chief of the General Staff (now Chief of Army) and as Chief of Defence Force Staff. Shortly after his appointment to Chief of Defence Force Staff, General Hassett received a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1976.
General Sir Francis Hassett retired in April 1977 and lived in Canberra. He was a fine man, warrior chief, and remarkable servant of the nation.
Transcript of the Governor General’s Eulogy for General Hassett
Governer General's Eulogy (mp3 - 4mb)
Description of Ceremonial
The Gun Carriage | Australia's Federation Guard Firing Volleys | The Last Post
Media Release on the death of General Hassett
Biography and Service Record
| 2004_S844_05 Official Portrait of General Sir Francis Hassett AC,KBE,CB,DSO,NVO Chairman,Chiefs of Staff Committee 24th Noveber 1975 - 8th Feburary 1976 Chief of Defence Force Staff 9th Feburary 1976 - 20th April 1977 (Date taken: Unknown ) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20050616cpa8235713_023 The General Hassett Book Launch at Duntroon House. From L-R CDF General Peter Cosgrove, General Sir Francis Hassett and, Author John Essex-Clark. (Date taken: 8 June 2005 ) Low Res | High Res |
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| Hassett GENERAL SIR FRANCI HASSETT ACC, KBE, CB, DSO LVO psc, IDC, FORMER CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE STAFF (Date taken: Unknown ) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_015 The dressed coffin of General Sir Francis Hassett (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_018 The decorations and medals of General Sir Francis Hassett. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_039 The funeral service of the late General Sir Francis Hassett. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_085 His Excellency Major-General Michael jefferey, AO, CVO, MC, Governor-General of Australia, gives the military eulogy at the the funeral of General Sir Francis Hassett. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_094 Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy reads a lesson at the funeral of General Sir Francis Hassett (John,Ch 14, Verses 1-6). (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_097 The Right Reverend Len Eacott, AM, Anglican Bishop of the Defence Force leads the prayers at the funeral of General Sir Francis Hassett. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_116 The last post is played for General Sir Francis Hassett. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_128 The coffin is blessed by the Right Reverend Len Eacott, Anglican Bishop to the Defence Force. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8054893_140 The remains of General Sir Francis Hassett leave the Duntroon Military Capel for a private family funeral. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8185016_0127 The bearer party carry the coffin from Duntroon Chapel. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8185016_0142 The bearer party carry the coffin from Duntroon Chapel. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8185016_0183 The coffin of General Sir Francis hassett is mounted on a military gun-carriage as it leaves Duntroon. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8185016_0187 The coffin of General Sir Francis hassett is mounted on a military gun-carriage as it leaves Duntroon. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8185016_0199 The coffin of General Sir Francis hassett is mounted on a military gun-carriage as it leaves Duntroon. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8185016_0274 The bearer party carry the coffin from Duntroon Chapel with Defence Chiefs and dignitaries following on. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20080617adf8185016_0335 The funeral party leave the grounds of Duntroon Chapel. (Date taken: 17 June 2008) Low Res | High Res |
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