I was fortunate enough to meet Sir Roden Cutler V.C. when I was part of a Naval Cadet honor guard at a reception he was attending when he was Governor of N.S.W. Even thought I was just 15, I can remember being impressed at the way he stopped and spoke to quite a few of the lads (Myself included) in the guard. He wasn't merely going through the motions of talking to us, he appeared to be genuinely interested in our answers to his questions. One thing I'll never forget was when he asked the guy a few people away from me "Do you intend to join the Navy son"? His reply? "No Sir"! Sir Roden laughed and moved along the line to chat with another lad. A true gentleman.
Heroes the lot of them. Daresay the majority are no longer with us or at least well on their way now. God bless their souls and those that were lost at the time.
A true Hero indeed. Thank you for your service and god bless your soul sir. We shell not forget. You and the other men of your generation are remembered by our generation. Sir, words can’t not describe your actions of courage for our freedom and democratic way of life. Once again sir, thank for service, and god bless your soul.. From Wales 🏴
I've just read Colleen McCullough's biography of Roden Cutler. Absolutely outstanding Australian. After returning to Oz with one leg and a Victoria Cross, he followed the advice of a Great War Aussie VC winner and avoided the pub because everyone wanted to buy him drinks. Roden supported his widowed mother and siblings financially from an early age during the Great Depression.
I have had the immense honor of having a private meeting with Sir Roden Cutler VC, at his home, and we were served tea and biscuits by Lady Cutler.This was the second time I visited his home, as the first time, he failed to show. He sent me an email shortly afterwards apologizing profusely as he had been hospitalized, and set up another meeting. I was, of course, in awe of his military career, and the bravery involved in the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross, but his diplomatic career post-war is absolutely extraordinary. I brought with me a copy of his biography, authored by the great Colleen McCulloch, and he was gracious enough to autograph it for me. I lamented that it would be nice to also get Colleen to autograph the book, but I had learned that she was no longer signing anything (as her eyesight was rapidly diminishing). Sir Roden offered to get her to sign it for me, and then packaged it himself, wrote a letter to Colleen asking her to relent and sign this one for me, sent it to Norfolk Island, and when it came back signed by Colleen, he posted it to me. It is the only copy in existence of the book signed by both Sir Roden and Collen. A true gentlemen, a genuine hero, and the most extraordinary person it has ever been my pleasure to meet.
These men are so soft spoken, coat and tie. "We waited with trepidation I must admit and a good deal of apprehension ..." what an understatement ..."I threw the Mills bomb into the machine-gun nest and followed in after it myself..." God bless this man and his family.
We use to make Sir Roden Cutlers artificial limb when I was with the Veterans Affairs Department via RALAC (Repatriation Artificial Limb Service). Even as NSW Governor General he was humble, never wanted special treatment as a GG nor VC he was a team player and respectful - true gentleman and courageous man with compassion
Our first rented home together as a couple was in a modest house that Roden Cutler lived in before he was made GG. It was a lovely house with a cheerful atmosphere.
My Grandfather was in the 2 Bn The Rifle Brigade in the desert..I distinctly remember that he said there was a man that was recommended for the VC and after the enquiries (of which there was one in much depth) he ended “up with only” an MM (the Other Ranks MILITARY MEDAL...Now there is no class distinction below the VC..the equivalent which is equal is the Military Cross) absolutely no mean feat my friends...and I served for 23 years....
Your comment is a little ambiguous about the MM, the MC and then vs now. But I get what you mean by "only", the bloke was given the second-highest award available to him.
Apart from his outstanding acts of bravery listed on his VC citation, I have to say that it takes a pretty brave man to fire a Boys anti-tank rifle more than once.
Need to read the VC citation these guys talk down what they did.. Office, 28 November 1941. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to the under-mentioned:- Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler (NX.12378), Australian Military Forces. For most conspicuous and sustained gallantry during the Syrian Campaign and for outstanding bravery during the bitter fighting at Merdjayoun when this artillery officer became a byword amongst the forward troops with whom he worked. At Merdjayoun on the 19 June 1941 our infantry attack was checked after suffering heavy casualties from an enemy counter attack with tanks. Enemy machine gun fire swept the ground but Lieutenant Cutler with another artillery officer and a small party pushed on ahead of the infantry and established an outpost in a house. The telephone line was cut and he went out and mended this line under machine gun fire and returned to the house, from which enemy posts and a battery were successfully engaged. The enemy then attacked this outpost with infantry and tanks, killing the Bren gunner and mortally wounding the other officer. Lieutenant Cutler and another manned the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun and fought back driving the enemy infantry away. The tanks continued the attack, but under constant fire from the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun eventually withdrew. Lieutenant Cutler then personally supervised the evacuation of the wounded members of his party. Undaunted he pressed for a further advance. He had been ordered to establish an outpost from which he could register the only road by which the enemy transport could enter the town. With a small party of volunteers he pressed on until finally with one other he succeeded in establishing an outpost right in the town, which was occupied by the Foreign Legion, despite enemy machine gun fire which prevented our infantry from advancing. At this time Lieutenant Cutler knew the enemy were massing on his left for a counter attack and that he was in danger of being cut off. Nevertheless he carried out his task of registering the battery on the road and engaging enemy posts. The enemy counter attacked with infantry and tanks and he was cut off. He was forced to go to ground, but after dark succeeded in making his way through the enemy lines. His work in registering the only road by which enemy transport could enter the town was of vital importance and a big factor in the enemy's subsequent retreat. On the night of the 23rd-24 June he was in charge of a 25-pounder sent forward into our forward defended localities to silence an enemy anti-tank gun and post which had held up our attack. This he did and next morning the recapture of Merdjayoun was completed. Later at Damour on 6 July when our forward infantry were pinned to the ground by heavy hostile machine gun fire Lieutenant Cutler, regardless of all danger, went to bring a line to his outpost when he was seriously wounded. Twenty-six hours elapsed before it was possible to rescue this officer, whose wound by this time had become septic necessitating the amputation of his leg. Throughout the Campaign this officer's courage was unparalleled and his work was a big factor in the recapture of Merdjayoun. London Gazette[
WOW! I was quite young in his time and my parents and Grandparents had alot of respect for him. I knew he was a Veteran but until now I did not know he was a VC. WOW!
Erm...yes your probably wondering..I have not changed gender..I am using my wife’s iPad....I served in the Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps...
Need to read his VC citation these guys Office, 28 November 1941. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to the under-mentioned:- Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler (NX.12378), Australian Military Forces. For most conspicuous and sustained gallantry during the Syrian Campaign and for outstanding bravery during the bitter fighting at Merdjayoun when this artillery officer became a byword amongst the forward troops with whom he worked. At Merdjayoun on the 19 June 1941 our infantry attack was checked after suffering heavy casualties from an enemy counter attack with tanks. Enemy machine gun fire swept the ground but Lieutenant Cutler with another artillery officer and a small party pushed on ahead of the infantry and established an outpost in a house. The telephone line was cut and he went out and mended this line under machine gun fire and returned to the house, from which enemy posts and a battery were successfully engaged. The enemy then attacked this outpost with infantry and tanks, killing the Bren gunner and mortally wounding the other officer. Lieutenant Cutler and another manned the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun and fought back driving the enemy infantry away. The tanks continued the attack, but under constant fire from the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun eventually withdrew. Lieutenant Cutler then personally supervised the evacuation of the wounded members of his party. Undaunted he pressed for a further advance. He had been ordered to establish an outpost from which he could register the only road by which the enemy transport could enter the town. With a small party of volunteers he pressed on until finally with one other he succeeded in establishing an outpost right in the town, which was occupied by the Foreign Legion, despite enemy machine gun fire which prevented our infantry from advancing. At this time Lieutenant Cutler knew the enemy were massing on his left for a counter attack and that he was in danger of being cut off. Nevertheless he carried out his task of registering the battery on the road and engaging enemy posts. The enemy counter attacked with infantry and tanks and he was cut off. He was forced to go to ground, but after dark succeeded in making his way through the enemy lines. His work in registering the only road by which enemy transport could enter the town was of vital importance and a big factor in the enemy's subsequent retreat. On the night of the 23rd-24 June he was in charge of a 25-pounder sent forward into our forward defended localities to silence an enemy anti-tank gun and post which had held up our attack. This he did and next morning the recapture of Merdjayoun was completed. Later at Damour on 6 July when our forward infantry were pinned to the ground by heavy hostile machine gun fire Lieutenant Cutler, regardless of all danger, went to bring a line to his outpost when he was seriously wounded. Twenty-six hours elapsed before it was possible to rescue this officer, whose wound by this time had become septic necessitating the amputation of his leg. Throughout the Campaign this officer's courage was unparalleled and his work was a big factor in the recapture of Merdjayoun. London Gazette[
It took the Australian's less than 5-days to reach the Litani river in Lebanon from Palestine. In 2006 the Israeli army couldn't reach it in a whole month
Read his book typical veteran understating everything. Not many people know that we had to fight the french in WW2. They faught had too harder than the italians.
The VC has ALWAYS been a classless medal from its inception..I say classless....before the PC brigade get hold of my statement....means what it literally means...a man (or woman) from Working Class, Middle Class, Rich or Wealthy is eligible to “win” the Victoria Cross and to be saluted (as his later wife stated) As is supposed to be the case (even for disliked Officers) one salutes the rank (I.e Captain 3 pips British Army)...NOT...the actual man/woman
I was fortunate enough to meet Sir Roden Cutler V.C. when I was part of a Naval Cadet honor guard at a reception he was attending when he was Governor of N.S.W. Even thought I was just 15, I can remember being impressed at the way he stopped and spoke to quite a few of the lads (Myself included) in the guard. He wasn't merely going through the motions of talking to us, he appeared to be genuinely interested in our answers to his questions. One thing I'll never forget was when he asked the guy a few people away from me "Do you intend to join the Navy son"? His reply? "No Sir"! Sir Roden laughed and moved along the line to chat with another lad. A true gentleman.
Heroes the lot of them. Daresay the majority are no longer with us or at least well on their way now. God bless their souls and those that were lost at the time.
hes my great grandpa. i'm super proud.
You have every reason to be.
what's his ethnicity?
We were told to look up to him from a young age, and held him in awe.
A true Hero indeed. Thank you for your service and god bless your soul sir. We shell not forget. You and the other men of your generation are remembered by our generation. Sir, words can’t not describe your actions of courage for our freedom and democratic way of life.
Once again sir, thank for service, and god bless your soul..
From Wales 🏴
I've just read Colleen McCullough's biography of Roden Cutler. Absolutely outstanding Australian. After returning to Oz with one leg and a Victoria Cross, he followed the advice of a Great War Aussie VC winner and avoided the pub because everyone wanted to buy him drinks. Roden supported his widowed mother and siblings financially from an early age during the Great Depression.
I have had the immense honor of having a private meeting with Sir Roden Cutler VC, at his home, and we were served tea and biscuits by Lady Cutler.This was the second time I visited his home, as the first time, he failed to show. He sent me an email shortly afterwards apologizing profusely as he had been hospitalized, and set up another meeting. I was, of course, in awe of his military career, and the bravery involved in the action for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross, but his diplomatic career post-war is absolutely extraordinary. I brought with me a copy of his biography, authored by the great Colleen McCulloch, and he was gracious enough to autograph it for me. I lamented that it would be nice to also get Colleen to autograph the book, but I had learned that she was no longer signing anything (as her eyesight was rapidly diminishing). Sir Roden offered to get her to sign it for me, and then packaged it himself, wrote a letter to Colleen asking her to relent and sign this one for me, sent it to Norfolk Island, and when it came back signed by Colleen, he posted it to me. It is the only copy in existence of the book signed by both Sir Roden and Collen. A true gentlemen, a genuine hero, and the most extraordinary person it has ever been my pleasure to meet.
My grandfather. Cheers for the kind words.
@@andrewcutler1380 As I said, an extraordinary man. You must be bursting with pride.
Paid respects at his grave today on Old South Head Rd Cemetery. A great man. Lest we forget
These men are so soft spoken, coat and tie. "We waited with trepidation I must admit and a good deal of apprehension ..." what an understatement ..."I threw the Mills bomb into the machine-gun nest and followed in after it myself..." God bless this man and his family.
We have very few men of this caliber left in the world
from manly,nsw.there is a great bronze statue of him in his desert gear outside manly primary school.i give him a nod when i walk past.
We use to make Sir Roden Cutlers artificial limb when I was with the Veterans Affairs Department via RALAC (Repatriation Artificial Limb Service). Even as NSW Governor General he was humble, never wanted special treatment as a GG nor VC he was a team player and respectful - true gentleman and courageous man with compassion
When men were men. Mere humble soldiers made of that elusive stuff we find so hard to find these days. God bless you all.
To quote John The Baptist, in the movie “The Greatest Story Ever Told” ,,,, I am not worthy to carry their sandals.
Our first rented home together as a couple was in a modest house that Roden Cutler lived in before he was made GG. It was a lovely house with a cheerful atmosphere.
My Grandfather was in the 2 Bn The Rifle Brigade in the desert..I distinctly remember that he said there was a man that was recommended for the VC and after the enquiries (of which there was one in much depth) he ended “up with only” an MM (the Other Ranks MILITARY MEDAL...Now there is no class distinction below the VC..the equivalent which is equal is the Military Cross) absolutely no mean feat my friends...and I served for 23 years....
Your comment is a little ambiguous about the MM, the MC and then vs now. But I get what you mean by "only", the bloke was given the second-highest award available to him.
Apart from his outstanding acts of bravery listed on his VC citation, I have to say that it takes a pretty brave man to fire a Boys anti-tank rifle more than once.
Met him once.A gentleman.
Just wriggled up with a Mills bomb...what a modest and understated hero.
Aussie lions directed by pomme sheep..
At which point they decided they weren't going to win this.
Need to read the VC citation these guys talk down what they did.. Office, 28 November 1941.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to the under-mentioned:-
Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler (NX.12378), Australian Military Forces.
For most conspicuous and sustained gallantry during the Syrian Campaign and for outstanding bravery during the bitter fighting at Merdjayoun when this artillery officer became a byword amongst the forward troops with whom he worked.
At Merdjayoun on the 19 June 1941 our infantry attack was checked after suffering heavy casualties from an enemy counter attack with tanks. Enemy machine gun fire swept the ground but Lieutenant Cutler with another artillery officer and a small party pushed on ahead of the infantry and established an outpost in a house. The telephone line was cut and he went out and mended this line under machine gun fire and returned to the house, from which enemy posts and a battery were successfully engaged.
The enemy then attacked this outpost with infantry and tanks, killing the Bren gunner and mortally wounding the other officer. Lieutenant Cutler and another manned the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun and fought back driving the enemy infantry away. The tanks continued the attack, but under constant fire from the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun eventually withdrew. Lieutenant Cutler then personally supervised the evacuation of the wounded members of his party. Undaunted he pressed for a further advance. He had been ordered to establish an outpost from which he could register the only road by which the enemy transport could enter the town. With a small party of volunteers he pressed on until finally with one other he succeeded in establishing an outpost right in the town, which was occupied by the Foreign Legion, despite enemy machine gun fire which prevented our infantry from advancing.
At this time Lieutenant Cutler knew the enemy were massing on his left for a counter attack and that he was in danger of being cut off. Nevertheless he carried out his task of registering the battery on the road and engaging enemy posts. The enemy counter attacked with infantry and tanks and he was cut off. He was forced to go to ground, but after dark succeeded in making his way through the enemy lines. His work in registering the only road by which enemy transport could enter the town was of vital importance and a big factor in the enemy's subsequent retreat.
On the night of the 23rd-24 June he was in charge of a 25-pounder sent forward into our forward defended localities to silence an enemy anti-tank gun and post which had held up our attack. This he did and next morning the recapture of Merdjayoun was completed.
Later at Damour on 6 July when our forward infantry were pinned to the ground by heavy hostile machine gun fire Lieutenant Cutler, regardless of all danger, went to bring a line to his outpost when he was seriously wounded. Twenty-six hours elapsed before it was possible to rescue this officer, whose wound by this time had become septic necessitating the amputation of his leg.
Throughout the Campaign this officer's courage was unparalleled and his work was a big factor in the recapture of Merdjayoun. London Gazette[
WOW! I was quite young in his time and my parents and Grandparents had alot of respect for him. I knew he was a Veteran but until now I did not know he was a VC. WOW!
Great Men / Brave Men.
To be afraid, and not care that you are afraid . . .
Leonard Cheshire said you cannot be brave unless you overcome fear. No fear, no bravery.
Erm...yes your probably wondering..I have not changed gender..I am using my wife’s iPad....I served in the Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps...
Need to read his VC citation these guys Office, 28 November 1941.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to the under-mentioned:-
Lieutenant Arthur Roden Cutler (NX.12378), Australian Military Forces.
For most conspicuous and sustained gallantry during the Syrian Campaign and for outstanding bravery during the bitter fighting at Merdjayoun when this artillery officer became a byword amongst the forward troops with whom he worked.
At Merdjayoun on the 19 June 1941 our infantry attack was checked after suffering heavy casualties from an enemy counter attack with tanks. Enemy machine gun fire swept the ground but Lieutenant Cutler with another artillery officer and a small party pushed on ahead of the infantry and established an outpost in a house. The telephone line was cut and he went out and mended this line under machine gun fire and returned to the house, from which enemy posts and a battery were successfully engaged.
The enemy then attacked this outpost with infantry and tanks, killing the Bren gunner and mortally wounding the other officer. Lieutenant Cutler and another manned the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun and fought back driving the enemy infantry away. The tanks continued the attack, but under constant fire from the anti-tank rifle and Bren gun eventually withdrew. Lieutenant Cutler then personally supervised the evacuation of the wounded members of his party. Undaunted he pressed for a further advance. He had been ordered to establish an outpost from which he could register the only road by which the enemy transport could enter the town. With a small party of volunteers he pressed on until finally with one other he succeeded in establishing an outpost right in the town, which was occupied by the Foreign Legion, despite enemy machine gun fire which prevented our infantry from advancing.
At this time Lieutenant Cutler knew the enemy were massing on his left for a counter attack and that he was in danger of being cut off. Nevertheless he carried out his task of registering the battery on the road and engaging enemy posts. The enemy counter attacked with infantry and tanks and he was cut off. He was forced to go to ground, but after dark succeeded in making his way through the enemy lines. His work in registering the only road by which enemy transport could enter the town was of vital importance and a big factor in the enemy's subsequent retreat.
On the night of the 23rd-24 June he was in charge of a 25-pounder sent forward into our forward defended localities to silence an enemy anti-tank gun and post which had held up our attack. This he did and next morning the recapture of Merdjayoun was completed.
Later at Damour on 6 July when our forward infantry were pinned to the ground by heavy hostile machine gun fire Lieutenant Cutler, regardless of all danger, went to bring a line to his outpost when he was seriously wounded. Twenty-six hours elapsed before it was possible to rescue this officer, whose wound by this time had become septic necessitating the amputation of his leg.
Throughout the Campaign this officer's courage was unparalleled and his work was a big factor in the recapture of Merdjayoun. London Gazette[
What a great man
Don't get men of this calibre anymore all fighting games on play stations
The classic Thames TV intro
It took the Australian's less than 5-days to reach the Litani river in Lebanon from Palestine. In 2006 the Israeli army couldn't reach it in a whole month
Best ever generation
Sgt,2/9th,AIF,1941 Lest We Forget
The bravery of the lower ranks had to be witnessed by an officer for the V C ?
Yes he was a lieutenant at the time working as a Forward artillery observer lol observer he was the front line and was not observing 😂
Read his book typical veteran understating everything. Not many people know that we had to fight the french in WW2. They faught had too harder than the italians.
The VC has ALWAYS been a classless medal from its inception..I say classless....before the PC brigade get hold of my statement....means what it literally means...a man (or woman) from Working Class, Middle Class, Rich or Wealthy is eligible to “win” the Victoria Cross and to be saluted (as his later wife stated)
As is supposed to be the case (even for disliked Officers) one salutes the rank (I.e Captain 3 pips British Army)...NOT...the actual man/woman
Hence the differentiation in addressing a disliked officer by their rank, rather than sir.
Brook Eggleston. Sounds good but in the Australian Army you only refer to an officer as Sir you never address them by their rank.
@@ozzmanzz Too bad! Tis a shame!
One does not "win" a Victoria Cross. That is an incorrect term to apply to this decoration. A Victoria Cross is awarded.
@@sopwithpuppy True! You *earn* an award, you do not *win* it. The Victoria Cross is *not* a trophy!!