The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Badge of Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (Military division). Unnamed as issued.
George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War served with 4 and 22 Field Artillery Brigades, and as brigade major of 11 Infantry Brigade. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he was posted to the 6th Division in the Middle East. In March 1941 he took command of 19 Infantry Brigade which he led in the fighting through Greece and Crete, also taking overall command of Australian forces involved in the defence of Crete. After returning to Australia in early 1942, Vasey was promoted major general and made deputy Chief of the General Staff. In September, he gained command of the 6th Division, then fighting the Japanese in Papua. Soon afterwards, however, he was transferred to lead the 7th Division through the fighting at Gona, Sanananda, Nadzab, Lae and the Ramu Valley. By mid 1944, his health had deteriorated to such an extent that he was evacuated to Australia, and not expected to survive, but in early 1945 he had recovered sufficiently to be appointed to command of 6 Division. While flying to assume this new command on 5 March, his Hudson aircraft crashed into the sea off Cairns and all on board were killed.
The citation for the award of Companion of the Bath reads, 'Major-General VASEY had highly meritorious service in the Middle East as Commander, 19th Australian Infantry Brigade. Upon his return to AUSTRALIA, he was attached to the General Staff, Home Forces, and later became Deputy Chief of the General Staff. He was subsequently appointed Commander of the 6th Division, A.I.F., and later of the 7th Division, A.I.F., in New Guinea. He took command at a critical moment in the operations in the Owen Stanley Range. Advance was made to the coast by the Australian troops under the most strenuous conditions, in which he shared all privations with the ranks. He showed forceful and inspiring leadership and was one of the outstanding leaders of the campaign.'
1914-15 Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War serve
1939-45 Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War serve
Africa Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War served
Australia Service Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First Wor
British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First
British War Medal 1939-45 with Mention in Despatches oakleaf. Medal impressed around edge with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC
Colour patch of Headquarters 7th Australian Division showing a white felt diamond superimposed on a black felt diamond, with a grey felt border. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born i
Neck Badge, Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Unnamed as issued. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First
Pair of compressed fibre identity discs joined by a 10cm length of white cotton string. One is a circular brown disc with one hole punched in it, the other a grey octagon with two holes punched. Each
Defence Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War ser
Distinguished Service Order (GRV, 1918) and Bar (1941). Unnamed as issued. During the First World War George Alan Vasey served with 4 and 22 Field Artillery Brigades, and with 11 Infantry Brigade. M
Greek War Cross 1940, First Class. Inscribed on lower reverse arm with the date '1941'. A bronze cross pattee with crossed swords in the angles, and the crowned cypher of King George II. The reverse
Pacific Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War serv
United States Distinguished Service Cross. Impressed on reverse centre with the number '8485'. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, an
Victory Medal with Mention in Despatches oakleaf. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915
Neck Badge, Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Unnamed as issued. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First
Africa Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War served
Pacific Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War serv
Defence Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War ser
Portrait, painted posthumously, of VX9 Major General George Alan Vasey, CB, CBE, DSO and Bar, General Commanding the 6th Division AIF. A Duntroon graduate, Vasey served in the First World War with art
1939-45 Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. George Alan Vasey, a professional soldier, was born in 1895. He graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1915, and during the First World War serve
