This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2012) |
Sir George Wootten | |
---|---|
![]() Major General George Wootten in January 1945 | |
Born | Marrickville, New South Wales | 1 May 1893
Died | 31 March 1970 Concord, New South Wales | (aged 76)
Allegiance | Australia |
Service/ | Australian Army |
Years of service | 1911–1923 1937–1950 |
Rank | Major General |
Service number | NX7 |
Commands | 3rd Division (1947–50) 9th Division (1943–45) 18th Infantry Brigade (1941–43) 16th Infantry Brigade (1940) 2/2nd Infantry Battalion (1939–40) 21st Light Horse Regiment (1937–39) |
Battles/wars | |
Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order & Bar Efficiency Decoration Mentioned in Despatches (4) Distinguished Service Cross (United States) |
Major General Sir George Frederick Wootten, KBE, CB, DSO & Bar, ED (1 May 1893 – 31 March 1970) was a senior Australian Army officer, public servant, right wing political activist and solicitor. He rose to the rank of temporary major general during the Second World War. Wootten earned the respect of his soldiers and superiors; General Douglas MacArthur described him as "the best soldier in the Australian Army who had it in him to reach the highest position". He was famous, in part, for his heavy build; he had given up smoking in 1930, and by 1941—even though he was 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall—he weighed 127 kg (20 st).[1]