Frederick Annand
Frederick Annand | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Toowoomba, Australia |
| Died | 22 June 1958 (aged 86) Ascot, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Military officer, businessman, public official |
| Years active | 1897–1932 (military) |
| Known for | Commanding the 2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion during WWI; Mayor of Hamilton; Town clerk of Greater Brisbane |
Colonel Frederick William Gadsby Annand (7 May 1872 – 22 June 1958) was a prominent Australian military officer and businessman.
Early life
Born in Toowoomba on 7 May 1872, Annand was the son of James Annand, a rural laborer, and Harriet, whose maiden name was Gadsby. He received his education through the local public school system.
Business career
Annand's early employment included positions with the Australian Mutual Provident Society and work on stations within the Warrego district. In 1895, he launched an agency in Toowoomba, and by 1899 he had founded an accounting practice after obtaining certification as an auditor. He married Helen Alice Robinson on 1 June 1898. In 1905, Annand assumed the role of manager at the Brisbane Permanent Building and Banking Company (which later became the Bank of Queensland) and successfully restored its financial health.
Military career
Annand enlisted in the Queensland Defence Force in 1897, initially serving as a lieutenant with the Mounted Infantry. He transferred to the Royal Australian Engineers in 1905, where he advanced to captain of the 5th Field Company. By 1911, he had achieved the rank of major with the 3rd Field Company.
During the First World War, Annand commanded the 7th Field Company of the Royal Australian Engineers. In March 1916, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and took command of the 2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion. He was mentioned in despatches on four occasions and received a Distinguished Service Order in December 1916, followed by a bar to that award in October 1918. After the war, he led the Citizen Military Force's 15th Battalion. His bar citation specifically commended his effective leadership during a difficult relief operation and flanking maneuver at Montbrehain in October 1918.
Elevated to colonel in 1926, Annand concluded his active military service in May 1932.
Public life
In civic affairs, Annand served as both councillor and mayor of Hamilton in 1924. The following year, he was appointed as town clerk for Greater Brisbane. He stepped down from this position in 1931 due to conflicts with the government led by A. E. Moore, subsequently returning to the Building and Banking Company where he was elected to its board of directors. Additionally, he held significant leadership roles including presidency of the local chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association, head of the Brisbane Rotary Club, and served as a deacon at the City Congregational Church.
Later life
Annand passed away on 22 June 1958 at Ascot. His interment took place on 23 June 1958 in a family plot at Toowong Cemetery. His son, Douglas Annand, gained recognition as an accomplished artist.
Legacy
The park located at 53 Milburn Street in Chermside West bears his name as Frederick Annand Park in tribute to his contributions.