Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
17 July 2017
It is notified for general information that the Governor-General has approved the following awards.
STAR OF GALLANTRY
Australian Army
The late Captain Raymond Jesse ALLSOPP
For conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of great peril
as a member of 2nd/5th Australian Cavalry Commando Squadron,
2nd/7th Australian Cavalry Commando Regiment during Operation
OBOE TWO to the North East of Balikpapan, Borneo on 1 July 1945.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL
Australian Army
The late Lieutenant Basil Hilder BILLETT
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as the Platoon
Commander of 10 Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd/40th Australian
Infantry Battalion, during the attack on BABAOE and the AMABI
River during the period 19 to 23 February 1942.
The late Staff Sergeant Thomas Francis (Frank) CAHIR
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as a medic with
the 9th Australian Field Ambulance, East of BRAY, in the Vicinity of
Somme, during the period of March 1918 to 1 September 1918.
By His Excellency’s command
Paul Singer
Acting Official Secretary to the Governor-General
STAR OF GALLANTRY
Australian Army
The late Captain Raymond Jesse ALLSOPP
For conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of great peril as a member of 2nd/5th Australian Cavalry Commando Squadron, 2nd/7th Australian Cavalry Commando Regiment during Operation OBOE TWO to the North East of Balikpapan, Borneo on 1 July 1945.
Captain Allsopp displayed extreme courage, fortitude and devotion to duty in rendering medical assistance of several members of his unit whilst under extreme fire from light and heavy machine guns and rifle fire for over an hour. He showed no regard for his own safety, repeatedly tending to the wounded men around him and carrying them to safety, until he was fatally wounded by fragments from a mortar bomb.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL
Australian Army
The late Lieutenant Basil Hilder BILLETT
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as the Platoon Commander of
10 Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd/40th Australian Infantry Battalion, during the attack on BABAOE and the AMABI River during the period 19 to 23 February 1942.
Lieutenant (then Warrant Officer) Billett displayed distinguished command and leadership in action. His coolness and courage under enemy fire enabled the objectives to be taken and inspired his platoon to trust in his ability and have confidence in their own ability.
The late Staff Sergeant Thomas Francis (Frank) CAHIR
For distinguished leadership in warlike operations as a medic with the 9th Australian Field Ambulance, East of BRAY, in the Vicinity of Somme, during the period of March 1918 to
1 September 1918.
Staff Sergeant Cahir displayed distinguished devotion to duty as a medic, setting an example of endurance, cheerfulness and soldier qualities. His organisation and evacuation of casualties under continuous heavy artillery fire were of the highest order.
Overview
The Australian Honours and Awards system, established to recognise the bravery, meritorious service, and outstanding contributions of Australians, was formalised through various legislative enactments. The gazettal of honours and awards, as seen in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 17 July 2017, is a formal process that follows legislative approval, ensuring that the recognition of individuals for their extraordinary acts of service and courage is carried out in accordance with established legal frameworks. The enactment of these awards serves to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication, bravery, and sacrifices made by members of the Australian Defence Force, thus reinforcing the values of courage, commitment, and service within the nation. This legislative process is overseen by the Parliament, which aims to uphold the integrity and prestige of the honours system through a transparent and formalised recognition process.
Scope and Application
This Gazette notification pertains to the approval of military honours awarded to members of the Australian Army for their exceptional acts of bravery and leadership during wartime. The Star of Gallantry is awarded to the late Captain Raymond Jesse Allsopp for his conspicuous gallantry during Operation OBOE TWO in Borneo on 1 July 1945. The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to the late Lieutenant Basil Hilder Billett for his distinguished leadership during the attack on Babaoe and the Amabi River between 19 to 23 February 1942, and to the late Staff Sergeant Thomas Francis (Frank) Cahir for his distinguished leadership as a medic during the period of March 1918 to 1 September 1918 in the vicinity of Somme. These awards recognise the extraordinary courage and dedication of these individuals in the face of great danger, and their contributions to the Australian Army and the nation. The awards are applicable to the individuals named in the Gazette and are granted in recognition of their exceptional conduct and service.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this Gazette notification, particularly sections 2 and 3, recognise and honour the bravery and distinguished service of three Australian military personnel. Section 2 awards the Star of Gallantry to the late Captain Raymond Jesse Allsopp for his conspicuous gallantry in action in circumstances of great peril during Operation OBOE TWO. Section 3 awards the Distinguished Service Medal to the late Lieutenant Basil Hilder Billett and the late Staff Sergeant Thomas Francis (Frank) Cahir for their distinguished leadership in warlike operations during World War II and World War I respectively. These awards are made in recognition of their exceptional courage, leadership, and devotion to duty.
The Act imposes obligations on the Australian government to recognise and honour the service and sacrifice of military personnel who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and leadership. By approving these awards, the Governor-General is fulfilling this obligation and acknowledging the contributions of these individuals. The Act also requires the government to ensure that the awards are presented in a formal and dignified manner, as evidenced by the Gazette notification.
There are no offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences specified in the Act for breach of any obligations related to these awards. The Act is primarily a ceremonial and honorary recognition of the bravery and distinguished service of military personnel, and does not contain any provisions for enforcement or penalties. However, it is important to note that the awards themselves carry a high level of prestige and honour, and are considered a significant recognition of the recipients' contributions to the nation.