Sir Samuel Roy Burston | |
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Major General Roy Burston
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Nickname(s) | Ginger |
Born | 21 March 1888 Melbourne, Victoria |
Died | 21 August 1960 South Yarra, Victoria |
(aged 72)
Allegiance | Australia |
Service/branch | Australian Army |
Years of service | 1900–1905 1912–1948 |
Rank | Major General |
Service number | VX2 |
Commands held | 1st Convalescent Depot 3rd General Hospital |
Battles/wars |
World War I: World War II: |
Awards |
Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Volunteer Decoration Mentioned in Despatches Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal |
Relations |
James Burston (father) Sir Samuel Burston (son) |
Other work | Chief Commissioner of St John Ambulance Australia Chairman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club |
World War I:
World War II:
Major-General Sir Samuel Roy Burston, KBE, CB, DSO, KStJ, VD, FRCP, FRCPE, FRACP (21 March 1888 – 21 August 1960) was an Australian soldier, physician, and horse racing identity.
The son of a prominent Melbourne soldier and businessman, Burston graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1910. After graduation, he worked with children at the Adelaide Children's Hospital and Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.
Having served with the Militia from an early age, he obtained a commission in the Australian Army Medical Corps in 1912 and served as a medical officer in the Gallipoli Campaign and on the Western Front during World War I. Burston was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Order for supervising an advanced dressing station under fire during the Battle of Messines. After the war he became a foundation Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. During World War II he served as Director of Medical Services in the Middle East and Director General of Medical Services in Australia with the rank of major general. The 9th Division was withdrawn from the Siege of Tobruk on his medical advice. He remained Director General of Medical Services until 1948. In 1945, he became Chief Commissioner of St John Ambulance Australia, serving until 1957,