Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
2 September 2024
Distinguished and Conspicuous Service Decorations
The Governor-General is pleased to announce the following Distinguished Service Decorations:
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS (DSC)
Brigadier Patrick Francis McINTOSH AM (Retd)
For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as the Commanding Officer of the Australian Medical Support Force, First Australian Contingent, to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission Rwanda from August 1994 to March 1995.
The late Brigadier Damian Stanley ROCHE
For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as the Commanding Officer of the Australian Medical Support Force, Second Australian Contingent, to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Rwanda from February to August 1995.
Colonel Peter George WARFE (Retd)
For distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations as the Commander, Australian Contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Rwanda from February to August 1995.
COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Captain John Edward NERNEY CSC (Retd)
For distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations as the Health Advisor to the Australian military mission during the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Rwanda February to August 1995.
It is notified for general information that the Governor-General has cancelled the award of the Conspicuous Service Cross made to:
Brigadier Patrick Francis McINTOSH AM (Retd)
The late Brigadier Damian Stanley ROCHE
Colonel Peter George WARFE (Retd)
By Her Excellency’s command
Gerard Martin PSM
Official Secretary to the Governor-General
Overview
The Gazette of 2 September 2024, issued by the Governor-General, announces the Distinguished Service Decorations awarded to several military personnel for their exemplary service during the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Rwanda from 1994 to 1995. These decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, awarded to Brigadier Patrick Francis McINTOSH AM (Retd), Brigadier Damian Stanley ROCHE, and Colonel Peter George WARFE (Retd), for their distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations. Additionally, Captain John Edward NERNEY CSC (Retd) received a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his distinguished performance as the Health Advisor to the Australian military mission during the same period. The Gazette also notes the cancellation of the Conspicuous Service Cross previously awarded to Brigadier McINTOSH, Brigadier ROCHE, and Colonel WARFE, reflecting the reassessment of their contributions based on the higher standard of the Distinguished Service Cross. The awards and cancellations were issued under the authority of the Governor-General, as the official representative of the Crown in Australia.
Scope and Application
The Gazette C2024G00639 pertains to the announcement of Distinguished Service Decorations by the Governor-General. This Act applies to specific individuals who have rendered distinguished service in warlike operations, particularly in the context of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Rwanda. The persons honoured include Brigadier Patrick Francis McIntosh AM (Retd), the late Brigadier Damian Stanley Roche, and Colonel Peter George Warfe (Retd), each recognised for their distinguished command and leadership. Additionally, Captain John Edward Nerney CSC (Retd) has been commended for his distinguished performance of duties as the Health Advisor during the same operations. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this Act is national, as it concerns individuals who have served in peacekeeping missions on behalf of Australia. The Act also includes provisions for the cancellation of previously awarded Conspicuous Service Crosses for the same individuals, indicating that the recognition process can involve re-evaluation and amendment of prior honours. This Act extends its application through the authority granted to the Governor-General to make such announcements and adjustments.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of the Gazette C2024G00639 announce the Distinguished Service Decorations awarded by the Governor-General. Section (1) recognises the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) awarded to Brigadier Patrick Francis McIntosh AM (Retd), the late Brigadier Damian Stanley Roche, and Colonel Peter George Warfe (Retd) for their distinguished command and leadership during the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Rwanda. Section (2) presents the Commendation for Distinguished Service to Captain John Edward Nerney CSC (Retd) for his distinguished performance as the Health Advisor during the same mission. Section (3) notes the cancellation of the Conspicuous Service Cross awarded to Brigadier Patrick Francis McIntosh AM (Retd), the late Brigadier Damian Stanley Roche, and Colonel Peter George Warfe (Retd).
The obligations imposed by this Act primarily involve the formal recognition of military personnel for their distinguished service. The Governor-General, acting on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, is responsible for the announcement and formal cancellation of these military honours. These announcements serve to publicly recognise and celebrate the exceptional service of these individuals in warlike operations, ensuring their contributions are duly acknowledged and remembered.
The Gazette also outlines the consequences for any breaches related to the misuse or improper awarding of these military honours. Section (4) indicates that the cancellation of an award, as seen in the case of the Conspicuous Service Cross, is a formal action taken by the Governor-General. This cancellation may result from various factors, including dishonourable conduct or failure to meet the criteria for the honour. Although the Gazette does not specify penalties for such breaches, it is understood that improper awarding or misuse of military honours can lead to severe repercussions, including civil and criminal consequences. The maximum penalties for such offences can vary but may include fines and imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness with which such breaches are treated.