Tony English was a Reserve Soldier who made a lasting impression in both his military and civilian career. Tony passed away at Campbelltown Hospital on Wednesday 8th July 2015 aged 71. His funeral was held at St Pauls Anglican Church in Cobbitty on Monday 13th July. At the funeral service, Lieutenant Colonel Ken Broadhead presented the following eulogy:
“Colonel English served as Commander Land Command Artillery from 1988 to 1997 in which time he was very well known by the Gunner community and Formation headquarters throughout Australia. He served in the Australian Cadet Corps at Churchie Grammar School in Brisbane. In 1962, he enlisted in Queensland University Regiment and was commissioned in 1964. From 1968 to 1974 he served in Field Artillery Regiments in Queensland. In 1977, he came to Sydney and in 1978 was appointed Commander 133 Divisional Locating Battery RAA. Promoted Lieutenant Colonel in 1979, he served as a Tac 5 Instructor at 2 Training Group, and in 1981 was attached to Aberdeen University Regiment OTU and served with 49 Regt RA in Germany. From 1981 to 1984 he was Commanding Officer 23rdField Regiment RAA. There followed Training and Plans postings and he was promoted Colonel as Commander Divisional Artillery, 2nd Division in 1987. From 1988 to 1997 he served as Commander Land Command Artillery and oversaw the RAA Air Defence support to the RAN during the 1991 Gulf War. From 1997 to 2000, when he retired from the Army after 38 years’ service, he was attached to Land Command Health Services as Veterinary Adviser.
In civilian life Colonel English earned a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (H1) and PhD from the University of Queensland. He was an Associate Professor at Sydney University Veterinary School at Camden near Sydney. He was Director of the faculty’s Deer Unit and a world expert on large domestic and wild animals. In June 2006, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to Veterinary Science in the field of wildlife health and conservation through research, education and professional organisations.”
Tony was made a Member(AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2006 Queens Birthday Honours. His award was: “For service to veterinary science in the field of wildlife health and conservation through research, education and professional organisations and to the deer industry in Australia”.
Acknowledgements:
- Lieutenant Colonel Ken Broadhead
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