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Sir (Arthur) Roden Cutler VC AK KCMG KCVO CBE, longest serving Governor of NSW and prominent High Old Boy died on February 22, 2002. The Cutler Drive project will improve the amenity of the school along the driveway that already bears the late Governor's name and provide a memorial to one of the most distinguished members of the Australian community.
Several bodies have been approached to assist in funding this project. Donations towards the project are accepted. Contact the school for details.
Sir Roden's contribution to High
Sir Roden Cutler VC attended Sydney Boys High from 1932-34. He was captain of the rifle shooting team and awarded a GPS Blue. He was later patron of the Old Boys Union for many years. Throughout his life, he remained a keen supporter of the school, in particular the Cadet Unit of which he was honorary Colonel. It was with great pride that Sydney High Cadets formed an honour guard at Sir Roden’s funeral in February, 2002.
Sir Roden Cutler: Soldier, Diplomat and Governor
Sir Roden was the only Australian artilleryman to be awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding and sustained gallantry over 18 days fighting in Syria. After the loss of his leg, he was forced to retire from the AIF returning home in 1941. In 1942 Sir Roden was elected the State Secretary of what is today known as the RSL. A year later he was appointed Assistant Deputy Director of the Security Service in NSW and later appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner for the Commonwealth in the Department of Repatriation, a position he held until 1946 when he was appointed Australian High Commissioner in New Zealand.
His posts as an Australian diplomat over a twenty year period included: High Commissioner in Ceylon, Her Majesty’s Australian Minister to Egypt, Secretary-Chief of Protocol of the Department of External Affairs, High Commissioner in Pakistan, Consul General in New York, Delegate to the UN General Assembly, Her Majesty’s Australian Ambassador to the Netherlands and as Governor of New South Wales.
It is plain to see why the School Family wishes to commemorate the life of Sir Roden.
Stage IThis stage entailed the construction of a new entrance gateway to the school at Anzac Parade. The memorial features carved sandstone pillars, plinth course and fencing together with wrought iron gates. The pillars on either side feature bronze plaques depicting the school crest and Governor’s coat of arms.
Through the generous donations of parents and supporters and the with the support of the Sir Roden Cutler Charities, the first stage was completed for May 29, 2006.
The Stage I Cutler Gates
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