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Colonel Michael William Lovell Fairless,

RFD, ED (Retd)

 

 

 
 
   

By Colonel John Fairless, RFD (Retd)

 

Print Version        

Colonel Michael Fairless passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home at Fingal Bay on 28th August 2014, aged 85 years.

Mick was well known to many in the Army of his generation. He enlisted in the Citizens Military Forces (CMF) at 7th Field Regiment RAA, Willoughby in 1948. Following commissioning he served in 16th Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery RAA at Dee Why and then as Battery Commander in 9th Heavy Aircraft Battery RAA in Haberfield.

In 1962 Mick was posted to Albury with the Commonwealth Bank. He Corps transferred to Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC) to serve in 8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles as Second in Command. In 1964 Mick was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was appointed Commanding Officer. He went to South Vietnam as a CMF observer and was attached to Australian and United States armoured units. After 8th /13th Victorian Mounted Rifles there were a number of training and staff appointments.

In 1972 Mick transferred back to the RAA to command 9th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment at Dee Why. Promotion to Colonel came in 1974 with his appointment to Headquarters 2nd Division as the first Colonel (MS) Army Reserve. Mick retired in 1979.

A private funeral was held for Mick. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, his four children, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Acknowledgements:

  • Published in Cannonball No 89 Autumn 2015
         
         
         
         
 
 
 
 

 

       
         
         
         
         
         
         
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