Harold Edward Elliott
Encyclopedia
Major General
Harold Edward "Pompey" Elliott CB
, CMG
, DSO
, DCM
, VD
(19 June 1878 – 23 March 1931) was a senior officer in the Australian Army
during the First World War. Elliot also served as a Senator
in the Australian parliament.
. He was educated at Ballarat College
(where one of the school houses, "Elliott", is now named after him) then Ormond College
, at the University of Melbourne
, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
and Master of Laws (LL.M.)
sharing the final honours scholarship in law in 1906. Before this he had been at the war in South Africa
from 1899 to 1902, in which he obtained a commission and the Distinguished Conduct Medal
. He was called
to the Victorian bar in 1906 and established the firm of solicitors, H. E. Elliott and Company.
, held the rank of lieutenant colonel
when the First World War began, and was immediately given the same rank in the Australian Imperial Force
, commanding the 7th Battalion. Throughout the War, Elliott was accompanied by a black charger, called "Darkie", who (with subtle encouragement) would spot the smallest irregularities in the men. Years later, his men were still convinced that it was the horse who had noticed the errors their commander had berrated them for.
in August.
On arriving at Suez, the water that the Battalion had been promised was nowhere to be found. They were assured that the water was coming, but hours later it still had not appeared. Elliott then made one of the "vigorous protests" that he was becoming famous for. He even threatened to march them back across the Suez Canal to get them a drink. It was outrageous to deprive men of water in the desert, and their understandable fury could escalate into mutiny. Elliott thundered. He was then assured that the water would be available at 5.30 the next morning.
Elliott was up at 5am, where he found many of his men had been unable to sleep due to their thirst and were licking at the taps around camp. He found the camp's Chief Engineer who informed him that the Egyptian authorities had not provided enough water for the troops in camp and that he had strict orders not to start the pumps before 8am, as it would wake the Corps Commander (the officer who had approved the march through the desert to begin with). Elliott remounted his horse and tore off to Corps Headquarters, where he informed a yawning Staff Officer that unless the water was turned on in the next five minutes, the 7th Battalion would be assembling and telling the Corps Commander exactly what they thought of him. The Staff Officer made a phone call, and Elliott was warned that he shouldn't make such a fuss again. He simply replied that he would do whatever was needed to help his men whenever he had to.
early in 1916, assuming command of the 15th Brigade shortly before the disaster at Fromelles
. Despite his inexperience in Trench Warfare, he pointed out to Major Howard of Field Marshal Haig's staff that the width of No-man's Land was too great for the assault to succeed. Major Howard agreed and on returning to Haig's Chateau attempted to persuade him that the attack was doomed to fail. But the commander-in-chief decided that the operation must go on, and so Elliott did all that was possible to make it a success by himself going to the front line to personally inspect the lie of the land encourage his men. At 11.30 of the night of the attack when asked if he could make a fresh attack he replied "cannot guarantee success of attack... but willing to try". An hour later he realized that the previous attacks had been a complete failure, reported to that effect, and that he was now organizing the defense of the original trenches. In the end, 1800 of the 5533 Australian casualties were from the 15th Brigade. It has been stated that Elliott became intoxicated by danger, but he would not throw away his men uselessly. His brigade did magnificent work at the Battle of Polygon Wood
at the end of September 1917, Elliott proving to be an inspiring leader.
Elliott's brigade also fought at second Villers-Bretonneux in April 1918, the point at which the German "Michael" Offensive was halted. After a British officer had allegedly been caught leaving Corbie with a cart full of looted champagne, Elliott ordered that anyone caught taking wine out of Corbie was to be publicly hanged in the market place, and that anyone spreading rumours or orders to retire was to be shot forthwith unless he could give a good account of himself. Recounting these stories, "reminiscent of the Red Queen in "Alice in Wonderland" " Australian Captain Thomas Louch (of 13th Brigade HQ, 4th Australian Division) said that such orders amused the men of his brigade but others found them embarrassing. During the recapture of Villers-Bretonneux Elliott ordered that any British troops seen withdrawing were to be stopped and shot if they refused to turn back, angering the well-regarded Major-General William Heneker (GOC 8th Division). Elliott quarrelled with everybody and was even known to put his battalion commanders and members of his staff under arrest when he lost his temper - such men resumed their duties when matters had blown over.
Elliott's brigade also fought at Peronne at the end of August after the Battle of Amiens, and at the Hindenburg Line
a month later. Early in October the Australians were withdrawn for a rest and did not take part in any further fighting.
As the members of the Brigade began to return to Australia after the war, Pompey became increasingly depressed. Eventually he called a Parade to hand out some last medals, and gave them a farewell speech to thank them for upholding his demanding standards. After this they were dismissed and he returned to his paperwork. Later that afternoon, the Brigade again returns to the Chateau he had taken up residence in, preceded by bands and colours. Each company circled the Chateau and cheered for their Commander. Lastly, the senior Colonel called for three cheers and tells Pompey that the men wanted to show their appreciation for him and that despite it being a voluntary march, everyone was there.
Elliott was mentioned eight times in despatches, was created Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1917, Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1918, and his other decorations included a Distinguished Conduct Medal
and a Distinguished Service Order
. Besides his Commonwealth decorations, he was awarded the Order of St Anne
, 3rd Class and the Croix de guerre
.
in 1927. He married in 1909 Catherine Fraser, daughter of Alexander Campbell, who survived him with a son and a daughter.
Elliott also played an important part in the 1923 Victorian Police strike
, making a call for members of the AIF to come to Town Hall and sign up as Special Constables, alongside General Sir John Monash. Many men upon reaching Town Hall came specifically looking for Pompey, ready to stand behind him again, although was forced to leave only a few days into the Strike to attend meetings of a Royal Commission
in Queensland.
Although not significant in the body politic in the Commonwealth Parliament Elliott made significant contributions and was strident in his efforts to assist returned servicemen particularly those with whom he had served. This would take the form of arguing in the Senate in relation to the new legislation being brought before it for the post war defence forces or personally assisting any member of his Battalion.
Elliott felt that he was sidelined by the new leadership of the Australian Army this was most probably due to his outspokenness particularly in relation to these changes and indeed the war time records of some of those now being selected for the prime appointments.
Elliot was buried on 25 March 1931. After a short service at his home, (56 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell, Victoria), his casket was drawn, with full military honours including bands and an escort party, on a gun carriage pulled by horses resplendent with black plumes, to the Burwood General Cemetery, a march of some four miles. Reports in the journals of the time detail the thousands who either followed the cortège or lined the parade route. At the graveside there was a moving and significant service.
The former Australian Prime Minister
, Stanley Bruce
, attended the funeral and later wrote to Elliott's wife Kate:
The Australian government's official war historian, C.E.W. Bean
, provides a character sketch of Elliott in his renowned work, the 12-volume Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918
. He summarises Elliott as "Outspoken, impulsive, excitable, straight as a ruled line."
Major General (Australia)
Major General is a senior rank of the Australian Army, and was created as a direct equivalent of the British military rank of Major General. It is the third-highest active rank of the Australian Army, and is considered to be equivalent to a two-star rank...
Harold Edward "Pompey" Elliott CB
Order of the Bath
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on 18 May 1725. The name derives from the elaborate mediæval ceremony for creating a knight, which involved bathing as one of its elements. The knights so created were known as Knights of the Bath...
, CMG
Order of St Michael and St George
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III....
, DSO
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
, DCM
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
, VD
Volunteer Decoration
The Volunteer Officers' Decoration was created by Royal Warrant under command of Queen Victoria on 25 July 1892 to reward 'efficient and capable' officers of the Volunteer Force who had served for twenty years...
(19 June 1878 – 23 March 1931) was a senior officer in the Australian Army
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
during the First World War. Elliot also served as a Senator
Australian Senate
The Senate is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Australia, the lower house being the House of Representatives. Senators are popularly elected under a system of proportional representation. Senators are elected for a term that is usually six years; after a double dissolution, however,...
in the Australian parliament.
Early life
Elliott, son of Thomas Elliott, was born at West Charlton, VictoriaCharlton, Victoria
Charlton "The Friendly River Town", is a town in Victoria, Australia. It is a small agricultural community straddling the Avoca River, located at the junction of the Calder Highway and Borung Highway and positioned in the last of the foothills of the Great Dividing Range...
. He was educated at Ballarat College
Ballarat and Clarendon College
Ballarat Clarendon College is an independent, co-educational, day and boarding school, located in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.Formerly affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Australia, it is now a school of the Uniting Church and a member of the Ballarat Associated Schools.The school...
(where one of the school houses, "Elliott", is now named after him) then Ormond College
Ormond College (University of Melbourne)
Ormond College is the largest of the residential colleges of the University of Melbourne. It is home to 332 undergraduates, 30 postgraduates and 27 professorial/academic residents.-Establishment:...
, at the University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public university located in Melbourne, Victoria. Founded in 1853, it is the second oldest university in Australia and the oldest in Victoria...
, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
and Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Master of Laws
The Master of Laws is an advanced academic degree, pursued by those holding a professional law degree, and is commonly abbreviated LL.M. from its Latin name, Legum Magister. The University of Oxford names its taught masters of laws B.C.L...
sharing the final honours scholarship in law in 1906. Before this he had been at the war in South Africa
Second Boer War
The Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
from 1899 to 1902, in which he obtained a commission and the Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
. He was called
Call to the bar
The Call to the Bar is a legal term of art in most common law jurisdictions where persons must be qualified to be allowed to argue in court on behalf of another party, and are then said to have been "called to the bar" or to have received a "call to the bar"...
to the Victorian bar in 1906 and established the firm of solicitors, H. E. Elliott and Company.
First World War
He had joined the militia after the Boer WarSecond Boer War
The Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
, held the rank of lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
when the First World War began, and was immediately given the same rank in the Australian Imperial Force
First Australian Imperial Force
The First Australian Imperial Force was the main expeditionary force of the Australian Army during World War I. It was formed from 15 August 1914, following Britain's declaration of war on Germany. Generally known at the time as the AIF, it is today referred to as the 1st AIF to distinguish from...
, commanding the 7th Battalion. Throughout the War, Elliott was accompanied by a black charger, called "Darkie", who (with subtle encouragement) would spot the smallest irregularities in the men. Years later, his men were still convinced that it was the horse who had noticed the errors their commander had berrated them for.
Gallipoli Campaign
He left Australia in October 1914, was shot in the foot on the landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915, and rejoining his battalion in June was in the midst of the fighting at Lone PineBattle of Lone Pine
The Battle of Lone Pine was a battle between Australian and Turkish forces that took place during the Gallipoli campaign from 6–10 August 1915. It was part of a diversion to draw attention from the main assaults of 6 August against the Sari Bair peaks of Chunuk Bair and Hill 971, which became...
in August.
Suez Canal
After the Retreat, the 7th Battalion was returned to Egypt, where they were sent 35 miles across the desert to defend the Suez Canal. The crossing was first attempted by the 14th Battalion, who were forced to turn back. Elliott personally inspected the route, talked with officers familiar with it and drew up a new timetable for the march, managing to get his men across with only a handful of casualties. On the march, one man forgot the ban of smoking. Elliott characteristically started to scream at the man, even threatening to shoot him. Out from the ranks came a shout: "If you shoot him, I'll shoot you." When the soldier who called out was brought forward and explained that no one talked to his brother like that, Elliott sent the man to his school for NCOs, with the rationale that anyone who could stand up to himself in full flight clearly had leadership potential.On arriving at Suez, the water that the Battalion had been promised was nowhere to be found. They were assured that the water was coming, but hours later it still had not appeared. Elliott then made one of the "vigorous protests" that he was becoming famous for. He even threatened to march them back across the Suez Canal to get them a drink. It was outrageous to deprive men of water in the desert, and their understandable fury could escalate into mutiny. Elliott thundered. He was then assured that the water would be available at 5.30 the next morning.
Elliott was up at 5am, where he found many of his men had been unable to sleep due to their thirst and were licking at the taps around camp. He found the camp's Chief Engineer who informed him that the Egyptian authorities had not provided enough water for the troops in camp and that he had strict orders not to start the pumps before 8am, as it would wake the Corps Commander (the officer who had approved the march through the desert to begin with). Elliott remounted his horse and tore off to Corps Headquarters, where he informed a yawning Staff Officer that unless the water was turned on in the next five minutes, the 7th Battalion would be assembling and telling the Corps Commander exactly what they thought of him. The Staff Officer made a phone call, and Elliott was warned that he shouldn't make such a fuss again. He simply replied that he would do whatever was needed to help his men whenever he had to.
Western Front
He was promoted to brigadier generalBrigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
early in 1916, assuming command of the 15th Brigade shortly before the disaster at Fromelles
Battle of Fromelles
The Battle of Fromelles, sometimes known as the Action at Fromelles or the Battle of Fleurbaix , occurred in France between 19 July and 20 July 1916, during World War I...
. Despite his inexperience in Trench Warfare, he pointed out to Major Howard of Field Marshal Haig's staff that the width of No-man's Land was too great for the assault to succeed. Major Howard agreed and on returning to Haig's Chateau attempted to persuade him that the attack was doomed to fail. But the commander-in-chief decided that the operation must go on, and so Elliott did all that was possible to make it a success by himself going to the front line to personally inspect the lie of the land encourage his men. At 11.30 of the night of the attack when asked if he could make a fresh attack he replied "cannot guarantee success of attack... but willing to try". An hour later he realized that the previous attacks had been a complete failure, reported to that effect, and that he was now organizing the defense of the original trenches. In the end, 1800 of the 5533 Australian casualties were from the 15th Brigade. It has been stated that Elliott became intoxicated by danger, but he would not throw away his men uselessly. His brigade did magnificent work at the Battle of Polygon Wood
Battle of Polygon Wood
The Battle of Polygon Wood took place during the second phase of the Battle of Passchendaele in World War I. The battle was fought near Ypres, Belgium, in an area named the Polygon Wood after the layout of the area...
at the end of September 1917, Elliott proving to be an inspiring leader.
Elliott's brigade also fought at second Villers-Bretonneux in April 1918, the point at which the German "Michael" Offensive was halted. After a British officer had allegedly been caught leaving Corbie with a cart full of looted champagne, Elliott ordered that anyone caught taking wine out of Corbie was to be publicly hanged in the market place, and that anyone spreading rumours or orders to retire was to be shot forthwith unless he could give a good account of himself. Recounting these stories, "reminiscent of the Red Queen in "Alice in Wonderland" " Australian Captain Thomas Louch (of 13th Brigade HQ, 4th Australian Division) said that such orders amused the men of his brigade but others found them embarrassing. During the recapture of Villers-Bretonneux Elliott ordered that any British troops seen withdrawing were to be stopped and shot if they refused to turn back, angering the well-regarded Major-General William Heneker (GOC 8th Division). Elliott quarrelled with everybody and was even known to put his battalion commanders and members of his staff under arrest when he lost his temper - such men resumed their duties when matters had blown over.
Elliott's brigade also fought at Peronne at the end of August after the Battle of Amiens, and at the Hindenburg Line
Hindenburg Line
The Hindenburg Line was a vast system of defences in northeastern France during World War I. It was constructed by the Germans during the winter of 1916–17. The line stretched from Lens to beyond Verdun...
a month later. Early in October the Australians were withdrawn for a rest and did not take part in any further fighting.
As the members of the Brigade began to return to Australia after the war, Pompey became increasingly depressed. Eventually he called a Parade to hand out some last medals, and gave them a farewell speech to thank them for upholding his demanding standards. After this they were dismissed and he returned to his paperwork. Later that afternoon, the Brigade again returns to the Chateau he had taken up residence in, preceded by bands and colours. Each company circled the Chateau and cheered for their Commander. Lastly, the senior Colonel called for three cheers and tells Pompey that the men wanted to show their appreciation for him and that despite it being a voluntary march, everyone was there.
Elliott was mentioned eight times in despatches, was created Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1917, Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1918, and his other decorations included a Distinguished Conduct Medal
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was an extremely high level award for bravery. It was a second level military decoration awarded to other ranks of the British Army and formerly also to non-commissioned personnel of other Commonwealth countries.The medal was instituted in 1854, during the Crimean...
and a Distinguished Service Order
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
. Besides his Commonwealth decorations, he was awarded the Order of St Anne
Order of St. Anna
The Order of St. Anna ) is a Holstein and then Russian Imperial order of chivalry established by Karl Friedrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp on 14 February 1735, in honour of his wife Anna Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great of Russia...
, 3rd Class and the Croix de guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
.
Political service
Elliott returned to Australia in June 1919 and at the general election held in that year was top of the poll at the election for the Victorian senators, and had the same position at the 1925 election. He sat on various committees but did not make any special mark as a politician. He was promoted to the rank of major generalMajor General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
in 1927. He married in 1909 Catherine Fraser, daughter of Alexander Campbell, who survived him with a son and a daughter.
Elliott also played an important part in the 1923 Victorian Police strike
1923 Victorian Police strike
The 1923 Victorian Police strike occurred in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. On the eve of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival in November 1923, half the police force in Melbourne went on strike over the operation of a supervisory system using labour spies...
, making a call for members of the AIF to come to Town Hall and sign up as Special Constables, alongside General Sir John Monash. Many men upon reaching Town Hall came specifically looking for Pompey, ready to stand behind him again, although was forced to leave only a few days into the Strike to attend meetings of a Royal Commission
Royal Commission
In Commonwealth realms and other monarchies a Royal Commission is a major ad-hoc formal public inquiry into a defined issue. They have been held in various countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia...
in Queensland.
Although not significant in the body politic in the Commonwealth Parliament Elliott made significant contributions and was strident in his efforts to assist returned servicemen particularly those with whom he had served. This would take the form of arguing in the Senate in relation to the new legislation being brought before it for the post war defence forces or personally assisting any member of his Battalion.
Elliott felt that he was sidelined by the new leadership of the Australian Army this was most probably due to his outspokenness particularly in relation to these changes and indeed the war time records of some of those now being selected for the prime appointments.
Death
Elliott was significantly affected by what would now be referred to as "post traumatic stress disorder" and "depression", then diagnosed by Dr J F Williams as a "definite form of nervous disorder". So significant was his illness that, in the early hours of the morning of 23 March 1931, at 52 years of age, Elliott took his own life while receiving treatment as an inpatient in a private hospital in Malvern. He had been admitted to the hospital late the previous afternoon after making an attempt to gas himself at his home in Camberwell.Elliot was buried on 25 March 1931. After a short service at his home, (56 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell, Victoria), his casket was drawn, with full military honours including bands and an escort party, on a gun carriage pulled by horses resplendent with black plumes, to the Burwood General Cemetery, a march of some four miles. Reports in the journals of the time detail the thousands who either followed the cortège or lined the parade route. At the graveside there was a moving and significant service.
The former Australian Prime Minister
Prime Minister of Australia
The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia is the highest minister of the Crown, leader of the Cabinet and Head of Her Majesty's Australian Government, holding office on commission from the Governor-General of Australia. The office of Prime Minister is, in practice, the most powerful...
, Stanley Bruce
Stanley Bruce
Stanley Melbourne Bruce, 1st Viscount Bruce of Melbourne, CH, MC, FRS, PC , was an Australian politician and diplomat, and the eighth Prime Minister of Australia. He was the second Australian granted an hereditary peerage of the United Kingdom, but the first whose peerage was formally created...
, attended the funeral and later wrote to Elliott's wife Kate:
I have just returned for his funeral and I have never seen a greater tribute paid to a man ... it must be some comfort to you to see the universal regard, esteem and even affection in which he was held.
The Australian government's official war historian, C.E.W. Bean
Charles Bean
Charles Edwin Woodrow Bean , usually identified as C.E.W. Bean, was an Australian schoolmaster, judge's associate, barrister journalist, war correspondent and historian....
, provides a character sketch of Elliott in his renowned work, the 12-volume Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918
Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918
The Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 is a 12-volume series covering Australian involvement in the First World War. The series was edited by C.E.W. Bean, who also wrote six of the volumes, and was published between 1920 and 1942...
. He summarises Elliott as "Outspoken, impulsive, excitable, straight as a ruled line."
External links
- A. J. Hill (1981) 'Elliott, Harold Edward (Pompey) (1878 - 1931)', Australian Dictionary of BiographyAustralian Dictionary of BiographyThe Australian Dictionary of Biography is a national, co-operative enterprise, founded and maintained by the Australian National University to produce authoritative biographical articles on eminent people in Australia's history....
, Volume 8, Melbourne University Press, pp 428–431. - Ross Mallett, Harold Edward Elliott, General Officers of the First AIF, adfa.edu.au
- C.E.W. Bean, Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918, Australian War Memorial