A painting of Brigadier General Cecil Henry Foott, who was educated at Toowoomba Grammar School before going on to serve in the First World War. His portait was painted by Australian artist George Coates. Photo Australian War Memorial
A TOOWOOMBA school student's contribution to Australia's First World War campaign led to his eventual promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.
Cecil Henry Foott was nine-years-old when he attended Toowoomba Grammar School in 1885.
He went on to become a qualified mechanical engineer and in 1895 was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Queensland Militia Garrison Artillery before joining the Queensland Permanent Artillery in September 1896 as a lieutenant.
His military career led to a transfer to the Royal Australian Engineers in 1902, but he remained in Queensland as an engineer services staff officer.
In 1908, he travelled to England for technical training and returned to be appointed staff officer and commander of Royal Australian Engineers in Victoria in 1909/10.
He moved through various roles as director of works and director of engineers while based at army headquarters in Melbourne over the next few years.
In January 1915, in the rank of major, Foott joined Major General Sir William Bridges' 1st Division of the Australian Imperial Force as deputy adjutant and quartermaster general.
He served at Gallipoli, where his gallantry earned him mention in despatches six times.
His efforts also led to him being appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George as well as awarded the Serbian Order of the White Eagle.
Foott was transferred to Australian Imperial Force depots in Britain in July 1917 as deputy adjutant and quartermaster general.
War correspondent Charles Bean described him "a man of educated tastes and fine intellect" and "an officer of great ability" who became "one of the notable figures in the Australian Imperial Force".
Foott returned to Australia after the war, dying at his home in Berwick, Victoria, in June, 1942.
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