Sandy Pearson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cedric Maudsley Ingram Pearson
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| Nickname(s) | "Sandy" |
| Born | 24 August 1918 Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 7 November 2012 (aged 94) Narrabeen, New South Wales, Australia |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ |
Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1937–1975 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | Royal Military College, Duntroon (1970–73) 1st Division (1969–70) 1st Australian Task Force (1968–69) 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1962–64) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation Vietnam War |
| Awards | Officer of the Order of Australia Distinguished Service Order Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross Legion of Merit (United States) Knight of the National Order of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (Vietnam) |
Cedric Maudsley Ingram "Sandy" Pearson was an important officer in the Australian Army. He became a Major General, which is a very high rank. He was known as "Sandy" to his friends.
Sandy Pearson was born on August 24, 1918, and passed away on November 7, 2012. He led Australian forces during the Vietnam War. He also served as the leader of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, which is a special school where army officers are trained.
Early Life and School
Cedric Pearson, or Sandy, was born in a town called Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia. His father, George Ingram Pearson, was a Methodist minister, which means he was a leader in his church.
Sandy went to a school called Newington College from 1932 to 1936. After that, he studied at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He finished his studies there in 1940, ready to join the army.
Army Adventures
Sandy Pearson had a long and brave career in the army. He served for many years, from 1937 to 1975.
- Second World War: He fought in the Second World War from 1942 to 1945. This was a huge global conflict.
- Serving in Singapore: Later, he was stationed in Singapore from 1966 to 1968.
- Leading in Vietnam: From 1968 to 1969, he was the Commander of the 1st Australian Task Force in Vietnam. This meant he was in charge of a large group of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War.
- Leading the Army College: After his time in Vietnam, he became the leader, or Commandant, of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He held this important role from 1970 to 1973, helping to train new army officers.
- Chief of Personnel: His final big role in the army was as the Chief of Personnel for the Australian Army from 1973 to 1975. This meant he was in charge of all the people in the army.
Life After the Army
After leaving the army in 1975, Sandy Pearson continued to work in important roles.
- Royal Agricultural Society: From 1976 to 1983, he was the Executive Director of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. This organization helps with farming and puts on big events like the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
- Helping Others: He also spent many years helping different groups. He was involved with the RSL from 1977 to 2002, which supports soldiers and their families. He also helped on the council for his old school, Newington College, and worked to help NSW Homeless Children from 1981 to 1990.
His Final Years
Sandy Pearson lived a long life, passing away at the age of 94 on November 7, 2012. He died at an RSL Village in Narrabeen, New South Wales. His funeral was held at the Newington College Chapel, the school he attended as a young man.
