Cecil Callaghan

Major General Cecil Arthur Callaghan, (31 July 1890 – 1 January 1967) was an Australian Army officer who served during the First and the Second World Wars. He was the commander of the 8th Division when it surrendered to the Japanese Empire at the fall of Singapore in February 1942.

Early life Cecil Arthur Callaghan was born in Sydney, New South Wales, to a merchant and his wife on 31 July 1890. He worked in his father's footwear business after completing his education at Sydney Grammar School. He joined the Citizens Militia Force (CMF) in 1910 by enlisting in the Australian Field Artillery, and was commissioned the following year.

Military career First World War After Britain's declaration of war against Germany in August 1914, Callaghan joined the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and was shipped to the Middle East with the 2nd Battery of the 1st Field Artillery Brigade. He participated in the Gallipoli landings on 25 April 1915. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his actions in July, with the medal's citation reading as follows:

He was evacuated in December 1915, with the rest of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, from Gallipoli to Egypt and transferred to the 5th Divisional Artillery. In March 1916, he was made commander of the 25th Howitzer Battery and promoted to major. the last of his four Mentions in Despatches that were earned in the war was gazetted on 11 July 1919. He was also awarded the French Legion of Honour. Returning to Australia in July 1919, his service with the AIF was terminated on 22 January 1920. He also provided evidence in investigations of Bennett's escape from Singapore, of which he did not approve.

Later life Callaghan retired from the Australian Army on 10 April 1947, having been made a major general earlier that year (backdated to 1 September 1942). After his retirement, he became involved with the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia. Ill for some time, he died on 1 January 1967, at the age of 76. The 8th Division Association honoured his death with a memorial service, and his remains were cremated.