William Refshauge facts for kids

Major General Sir William Dudley Duncan Refshauge (3 April 1913 – 27 May 2009) was an important Australian soldier and health leader. He was a doctor for Queen Elizabeth II from 1955 to 1964. He also led the Australian Government Department of Health from 1960 to 1973. Later, he became the secretary-general of the World Medical Association from 1973 to 1976.

Early Life and School

William Refshauge was born in Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia, on 3 April 1913. His father was the headmaster of the local high school. William had four siblings, including Joan Refshauge, who also became a doctor. She did important health work in Papua New Guinea.

His family had roots in Denmark. They moved to Hampton, Melbourne, when his father became sick. William was active in the Boy Scouts and later enjoyed rowing.

William went to Scotch College, Melbourne. He was a talented rower, joining the school's top rowing team at just 15 years old. He rowed for three more years after that. He studied medicine at the University of Melbourne and graduated in 1938. The next year, he worked as a doctor in training at The Alfred Hospital.

Military Service

Serving in World War II

In 1939, when the Second World War began, William Refshauge joined the Second Australian Imperial Force. He was a medical officer, starting as a captain. He served in the Middle East, including the capture of Tobruk. He also served in Greece, Crete, New Guinea, and Borneo.

He was promoted to major in 1942 and later to lieutenant colonel. He was recognized four times for his brave actions. In 1944, he received the Order of the British Empire.

After the War

After the war, Refshauge decided to focus on women's health. He specialized in obstetrics (caring for pregnant women) and gynaecology (women's reproductive health). He became a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In 1948, he became the first permanent medical superintendent at the Women's Hospital in Melbourne.

In 1951, during the Korean War, Refshauge rejoined the Australian Army. He became the deputy director-general of Army Medical Services. In 1955, at age 42, he was promoted to director-general with the rank of major general. He helped create the Army School of Health and improved how medical officers were trained. He visited nuclear testing sites like Bikini Atoll and Enewetak Atoll.

Important Roles and Groups

Refshauge House, at the former Torrens Island Quarantine Station, SA, was named for Sir William Refshauge.

From 1955 to 1964, Sir William was a special doctor for Queen Elizabeth II. In 1960, he became the head of the Australian Government Department of Health. He held this important role until 1973. He also led many health and fitness groups in Australia.

He stayed interested in rowing. He was part of the team that organized the 1964 Australian Rowing Championships in Canberra.

On the world stage, Refshauge often represented Australia at meetings for the World Health Organization (WHO). He led important committees and was president of the 24th World Health Assembly in 1971.

In 1973, Refshauge became the secretary-general of the World Medical Association (WMA). He moved the WMA's main office closer to the WHO in Geneva. He also helped rewrite the Declaration of Helsinki, which sets ethical rules for medical research.

Sir William was a national trustee for the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) for many years. He also helped lead a tour of European battlefields to mark the 60th anniversary of Remembrance Day in 1978.

He was a member of the Menzies Foundation, which supports medical research. He was also a Fellow of several important medical colleges. This means he was recognized as an expert in his field. He was a board member for the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

In 1983, Refshauge helped start the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin, Northern Territory. He later became its chairman. He also helped plan a health research center at the University of Tasmania.

Awards and Recognition

Sir William Refshauge received many awards for his service:

• In 1959, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his work in the army.
• In 1965, he received the Efficiency Decoration (ED).
• In 1966, he was made a Knight Bachelor for his leadership in health.
• In 1980, he was given the Order of Australia (AC). This was for his public service and contributions to medicine, especially public health.
• In 1988, the University of Sydney gave him an honorary Doctor of Medicine degree.
• In 1990, he won the RSL's ANZAC Peace Prize for his work in world health and peace.
• In 1991, he received the RSL's highest award, the Meritorious Medal.

Family Life

In 1942, William Refshauge married Helen Elizabeth Allwright, a senior nurse. They had four sons and one daughter. Two of their sons became well-known:

• Andrew Refshauge was a former Deputy Premier of New South Wales.
• Richard Refshauge was a judge of the Supreme Court in the Australian Capital Territory.

Their daughter, Kathryn Refshauge, is a Dean at the University of Sydney.

Sir William Refshauge passed away on 27 May 2009, at the age of 96.

Legacy

In 1999, the annual Sir William Refshauge Lecture was started in his honor. Sir William understood the terrible effects of war. From 1989 until his death, he was a Patron of the Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia).

Refshauge Crescent in MacGregor, Australian Capital Territory, is named after him. There is also a playground called Refshauge Playground on the street.