ISSUE 34 : May/Jun - 1982 - Australian Defence Force Journal

M DEFENCE FORCE JOURNAL No. 34, May/June 82
respect of his subordinates. The younger members
of the Army and those who will follow
should find in his work an inspiration and an
example of loyal, selfless and devoted service.
The writer is conscious that in a Journal
usually devoted to the military topics, he has
covered the Christian work of Sir Edmund as
well as his military talents. It is impossible to
separate his outstanding work, as the Churchman
and the General. In Sir Edmund's case
the talents were inextricably mixed. He would
not have wished it otherwise.
Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip
had a long association with Sir Edmund and
Dame Mary, both in Australia and in the
United Kingdom. It is well known that Sir
Edmund and Dame Mary were held in high
regard and affection by the Royal Family. It
was fitting therefore that Her Majesty graciously
sent messages of sympathy to the Herring
Family.
In conclusion, it is hoped that the Minister
of Defence and the Army could perhaps give
some thought to the means by which the
memory of this outstanding soldier could be
honoured.
Q
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to Stuart Sayers, author of "Ned Herring"
for his ready permission to use data to assist in the
preparation of this article. 1 commend his book for anyone
requiring additional information.
Thanks are also extended to the following:-
Archbishop Sir Frank Woods, K.B.E. for quotations
from his sermon and discussions with him.
The "Age" newspaper photograph of the Funeral
Service.
The "Herald & Weekly Times" and in particular to
Rob Filmer and Robert Coleman.
Norman Carlyon's "1 Knew Blarney".
John Hetherington's "Blarney Controversial Soldier".
Rev. Evan W'etherell, Vicar Christ Church, South Yarra.
Brig. Sir William Hall, K.B.E., D.S.O.
Brig. L. D. King. O.B.E., E.D.
The "Maryborough Advertiser" Messrs. Gracie &
Borchers, Mr Christin Rankin, Mr. Austin Rankin
of Maryborough.
EDITORS NOTE
The author was a member of the A.l.F. and regular
Army, reaching the rank of Colonel at age 33. His war
service included Middle East, New Guinea, France,
Holland, Belgium and Germany, In 1949 he resigned
from the Army to become as Assistant Secretary and
later a First Assistant Secretary in the Department of
Defence. He was awarded a SEATO Leadership Grant
in 1958 by the U.S. State Department for advanced
studies in the U.S. He retired from the Department of
Defence in September, 1974.
SI
A FINAL FAREWELL The "Age," Melbourne