Obituaries Australia

Randolph Creswell, c1915

Australian War Memorial, DA09592

The death in action of Captain Randolph William Creswell, son of Rear Admiral Sir William Creswell, announced in the Argus on Tuesday removes a young Australian with the promise of an excellent career. He was born on March 13, 1890, and was educated at St Peter's College Adelaide, Brisbane Grammar School, and Melbourne Grammar School. He then went on to Trinity College, where he graduated as a mining engineer, and was engaged in his profession at Broken Hill when he enlisted. He was a good all round athlete, stroking the Melbourne Grammar School crew in 1907 and the Trinity College crews of 1910-11. He was champion swimmer of the Melbourne Grammar School in 1907, and was also a well known hockey player. Captain Creswell enlisted in the 29th Battalion A.I.F. and in Egypt was transferred to the Camel Corps. On the Senussi front he did excellent work, was mentioned in despatches, and was decorated with the White Eagle (fifth class) of Serbia for general good work, particularly in connection with the rescue of an aviator in the desert. Subsequently he was transferred to the East front, and was promoted captain on July 16, 1916.