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Portrait - Gordon Bennett by Margaret Gordon

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Overview

Portrait by Margaret Gordon Johnson of Gordon Bennett (1887-1962), a senior Australian army officer in both the First and Second World Wars.

Historical information

H. Gordon Bennett was one of Australia's most controversial military commanders, reaching the rank of Lieutenant-General during the World War 2. After joining the military in 1908, quickly became known for being a courageous leader, as well as being difficult and bad-tempered. At the beginning of the Second World War, Bennett was passed over for the leadership of the 2nd Australian Imperial Force, and was given command of the 8th Division instead. On 15th February 1942, after an unsuccessful campaign against the Japanese in Singapore and with surrender negotiations underway, Bennett controversially handed over his command and left the island. This action was met with general disapproval, and although being made commander of the 3 Aust Corps in Perth between April 1942 and May 1944, Bennett was never given another field command.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99.171

Themes

Art and Design
War and Conflict

Width

64.5000 cm

Height or length

75.6000 cm

Contextual Information

This work formed part of the "Wartime Archies" exhibition presented by the Australian Army Museum of Western Australia for the National Trust Heritage Festival 18 April to 18 May 2024.The portrait is currently located in the Singapore Section of the World War 2 gallery

Links to additional resources

1943 Archibald Prize Entries

Artist's Biography

"Wartime Archies" Exhibition Catalogue

Gordon Bennett's Desk

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
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