Paul Cullen (general)
Paul Alfred Cullen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | October 7, 2007 (aged 98) |
| Occupation(s) | Australian Army officer, businessman, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1927–1966 (military) |
| Known for | Commanding 2/1st Battalion on Kokoda Track; founding Australia's first merchant bank Mainguard; refugee advocacy |
Major General Paul Alfred Cullen, (13 February 1909 – 7 October 2007), was a high-ranking officer in the Australian Army. He began his military service in the Militia in 1927 and actively participated throughout the Second World War, notably excelling as a battalion commander along the Kokoda Track. Following the war, he remained involved with the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), eventually attaining the rank of major general while serving as the CMF representative on the Military Board.
Outside his military career, Cullen established Mainguard, recognized as Australia's inaugural merchant bank, and was instrumental in founding and chairing Austcare. Additionally, he gained recognition for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy on behalf of refugees.
Early life
Born Paul Alfred Cohen in Newcastle, New South Wales, on 13 February 1909 into a Jewish household, Cullen was the youngest among three siblings. His parents were businessman Sir Samuel Cohen and Elma (née Hart).
Military career
Cullen's military journey commenced in 1927 when he joined the Militia's 1st Heavy Brigade of the Australian Garrison Artillery as an other rank. He earned his commission on 22 May 1931. Advancing to captain by 24 July 1935, he took command of the 16th Battery, RAA, starting from 25 October 1935.
Second World War
Following the declaration of war on 3 September 1939, Cullen was seconded as a captain to the 2/2nd Battalion on 13 October 1939 and formally enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force as an officer on 30 October 1939, assigned army number NX163.
Middle East
Cullen reached the Middle East theatre on his 31st birthday, 13 February 1940, and undertook training at the Middle East Tactical School from 6 March to 8 April that year. Between 25 September and 17 October 1940, he was attached to the 2/1st Battalion. Upon returning to the 2/2nd Battalion, he was promoted to major on 15 November 1940 and served as Company Commander and Second-in-Command upon arrival in Greece on 19 May 1941. During the Greek campaign, he converted much of the battalion's funds into gold to support rations and local assistance during their withdrawal to Crete and subsequently back to the Middle East in June 1941. Witnessing German hostility towards Jewish individuals, he legally changed his surname from Cohen to Cullen on 25 September 1941 as a protective measure against potential capture.
Kokoda Trail and Papua New Guinea
Departing from the Middle East for Australia, Cullen arrived via Ceylon on 28 March 1942. Elevated temporarily to lieutenant colonel, he assumed command of the 2/1st Battalion from 11 June 1942 until 28 August 1945. Returning to Melbourne on 7 August 1942, his promotion to substantive lieutenant colonel was confirmed on 1 September. Leading his battalion from Port Moresby starting on 21 September 1942, he established a reputation as a determined combat leader throughout the Kokoda campaign. After returning to Brisbane on 8 January 1943 for reinforcement and retraining purposes, he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on 23 December 1943 in recognition of his sustained exemplary service in New Guinea.
On being seconded to Headquarters 16th Brigade on 29 January 1944, Cullen reached Port Moresby by mid-March and was attached to Headquarters New Guinea Force from late March. After returning to Cairns later that month, he served again at Headquarters of the 16th Brigade between May and June. He then led his battalion back to Aitape on 15 December 1944 before returning to Australia on 13 April 1945. By June, he had completed the Land Headquarters Tactical senior officers course. Returning once more to New Guinea that same month, he resumed attachment with Headquarters of the 16th Brigade until September before returning to Cairns. For his courageous leadership during the Aitape–Wewak campaign as CO of the 2/1st Battalion, Cullen was awarded a Bar to his DSO on 2 November 1946 (officially published March 1947).
Post-war service
After the Citizen Military Forces were re-established, Cullen assumed command of the 45th Battalion (The St George Regiment) starting 1 April 1948. He was temporarily elevated to the rank of brigadier and took leadership of the 14th Brigade on 2 July 1955, with his promotion to substantive brigadier confirmed a year later. Between 1958 and 1960, Cullen served within the Officers Staff Group of Eastern Command before being appointed Deputy Commander of the 1st Division. In December 1961, he advanced to major general, overseeing the Communications Zone. He was placed on the Unattached List in 1963 and subsequently represented the Citizen Military Force on the Military Board. For his dedicated and efficient service, he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration (ED).
Though he officially moved to the Retired List in December 1966, Cullen continued to actively support and promote the interests of part-time military personnel.
Other roles
Cullen was instrumental in introducing Australia's earliest unit trusts and established the country's first merchant bank, Mainguard (Australia), in 1950. Unfortunately, this financial institution collapsed due to unsuccessful investments in a rice farming venture.
In November 1981, he founded the Refugee Council of Australia and served as its first president. Additionally, he held leadership positions with both the Australian Jewish Welfare Society for Refugees and the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales.
Recognition and awards
- 1965: Awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
- 1978: Honoured as Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his dedication to ex-service members and their families.
- 1981: Received the Nansen Refugee Award from UNHCR in recognition of his refugee advocacy through Austcare and Jewish community groups.
- 1988: Promoted to Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his significant contributions toward supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
A portrait painted by Mathew Lynn in 2002, when Cullen was aged 93, is exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery (Australia).
Personal life
Cullen entered into marriage three times. His first wife, Phyllis Marjorie Sampson, gave birth to twins Christopher and Dinah. He later divorced his second spouse, Jenny Whitington (née Drake-Brockman). In 1973, he wed Eve Daly; together they raised Galloway cattle at Wingello Park near Goulburn, New South Wales from 1983 onward.