Jock McNeill rose from the rank of a world war two gunner to the rank of major general and Inspector General of the Australian Army Reserve during his 38 years of distinguished service. Jock was also an employee of Australian Cement Limited for 47 years, beginning as an industrial chemist in 1938 and retiring as executive manager, special projects, in 1986.
Born in Colac in 1921, Jock enlisted in the 2nd AIF in 1940 as a Gunner in 2nd/2nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment. He served with various units in Egypt, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon as well as New Guinea and Borneo. He was a sergeant when discharged in 1945. In 1948, he enlisted as a gunner in the citizens military forces and was soon promoted sergeant before being commissioned in 1949. In 1960, the now lieutenant colonel commanded 2nd Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery in Melbourne and from 1961 to 1965 was the commanding officer of 8th Medium Regiment Royal Australian Artillery in Geelong.
Promoted to major general in 1973, Jock commanded 3rd Division in Victoria from 1973 to 1976, was Inspector General in 1977 and retired in 1978. In recognition of his military service he was awarded an Efficiency Decoration in 1965, an OBE in 1965 and AO in 1977.
When the 10th Medium Regiment Royal Australian Artillery Association Incorporated was formed, Major General McNeill was the obvious choice of Patron, to which he agreed without hesitation. Jock attended many of our functions when his health enabled him to and was our special guest at the 2002 formal dinner; ill health prevented him from attending in 2003.
His funeral took place at Wesley Uniting church with full military honours, approximately 20 members of the association attended the funeral and formed an honour guard as his coffin left the church n the gun carriage for Highton Cemetery.
Vale - Major General John (Jock) McNeill AO, OBE, ED |
