Obituaries Australia

Colonel George Walker Waddell, V.D., officer commanding the New South Wales field forces, died somewhat suddenly on Sunday night at the Athenaeum Club. The Colonel dined with his son, Dr. George Waddell, of the New South Wales Bar, at the Athenaeum on Sunday afterwards attending the military parade in the Domain, and the special service at St. Andrew's Cathedral. Upon returning to the club for tea the Colonel seemed in his usual health. He had his meal quietly, and then retired to the reading-room. Very shortly afterwards he felt faint, and rang for assistance. The secretary promptly put in an appearance upon being informed that the Colonel was ill, and personally attended to his comfort. Some 20 minutes later, however, the end came, life closing at 10 minutes to 9 o'clock.

The late Colonel was a brother of the State Treasurer, and was born on October 10, 1846. He held the post of Consul for Peru, and was Acting Commandant of the New South Wales military forces. He received his first commission 25 years ago, being appointed a second-lieutenant in the 3rd infantry Regiment when the militia system was inaugurated by the late General Richardson. He graduated to the ranks of first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant-colonel, colonel, and brigadier, after qualifying and passing the necessary examinations. General Hutton, in 1893, selected Colonel Waddell to command the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Upon the consummation of federation he received the first Commonwealth brigadier appointment, and took command of the 1st Australian Infantry Brigade. When General Finn succeeded Sir Edward Hutton, Colonel Waddell acted as commandant of the New South Wales forces pending the appointment of General Gordon. He acted on several important military committees in federal organisation, and was a member of the promotion board for officers of the Commonwealth above the rank of captain.

The remains of the late Colonel Waddell will be accorded a military funeral to-day.