Major-General Sir Douglas Kendrew: A Legacy of Service and Sport
Major-General Sir Douglas Anthony Kendrew was a man of remarkable versatility, excelling as a high-ranking military officer, an international athlete, and a distinguished diplomat. Best known as the 22nd Governor of Western Australia, his life was defined by a commitment to duty that spanned the battlefields of the Second World War and the Korean War, the rugby pitches of England, and the vice-regal halls of Australia.
Known to many in the sporting world as "Joe Kendrew," he balanced the rigors of military command with the physicality of elite rugby, eventually rising to the rank of Major-General and receiving some of the United Kingdom's highest honors.
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Key Facts
- Full Name: Sir Douglas Anthony Kendrew
- Military Rank: Major-General, British Army
- Political Role: 22nd Governor of Western Australia (1963–1974)
- Sporting Achievement: Capped 10 times for the England national rugby union team
- Major Conflicts: Second World War and Korean War
- Notable Honor: Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with Three Bars
Early Life and International Rugby Career
Born on July 22, 1910, in Barnstaple, Devon, England, Douglas Kendrew was the eldest son of Alexander John Kendrew and Eva Stella. He received his education at Uppingham School, where he first developed his leadership skills and passion for sport.
Kendrew became a prominent figure in rugby union, playing as a prop (a front-row player responsible for stability in the scrum). Between 1930 and 1936, he played 30 matches for Leicester and earned 10 caps for the England national team, captaining the side in 1935. He was also part of the 1930 British Lions tour of Australasia.
One of his most storied sporting moments occurred on March 2, 1935, while captaining the Army Rugby Union team against the Royal Navy. Despite the Army team being reduced to only 13 players due to injuries, Kendrew led his side to an 11–8 victory, a feat remembered for the grit displayed by the depleted forward pack.
Distinguished Military Service
Kendrew's military journey began with the Uppingham School Officer Training Corps. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant with the Leicestershire Regiment Supplementary Reserve of Officers in 1930. Before the outbreak of global conflict, he served as an instructor at both the Tank Driving and Maintenance School at Bovington Camp and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.
World War II and the Korean War
During the Second World War, Kendrew served in North Africa and Italy. He held several critical roles, including brigade major with the 36th Brigade and commander of the 6th Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. He later commanded the 128th (Hampshire) Infantry Brigade across Italy, the Middle East, Greece, and Austria between 1944 and 1946.
His bravery and leadership during these campaigns earned him the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and three subsequent bars. This record of valor continued into the Korean War, where, as a temporary brigadier commanding the 29th Infantry Brigade of the Commonwealth Division, he received a rare fourth award of the DSO.
Command in Cyprus and Later Appointments
From 1956 to 1958, Kendrew served as the General Officer Commanding and Director of Operations for the Cyprus District. This was a volatile period of British rule, and in September 1958, Kendrew survived an assassination attempt by EOKA fighters, though one of his escorts was killed in the attack.
Following his time in Cyprus, he held senior roles at the War Office in London as Director of Infantry and Director of Information. His final military assignment was as the head of the British Defence Liaison Staff at the British High Commission to Australia in Canberra, from which he retired on September 1, 1963.
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Governorship of Western Australia
Shortly after his military retirement, Sir Douglas was appointed the 22nd Governor of Western Australia. He served from October 25, 1963, to January 6, 1974, under the monarchy of Queen Elizabeth II. His tenure was marked by stability and respect, leading to his term being extended twice.
During his time in Australia, he maintained his ties to the military, serving as the honorary colonel of the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, RWAR Australia, in 1965. He was also awarded an honorary LLD from the University of Western Australia in 1969.
Summary of Career and Honors
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Military Rank | Major-General |
| Key Commands | Cyprus District, 29th Infantry Brigade, 128th Infantry Brigade |
| Rugby Career | England Captain (1935), Leicester, British Lions (1930 tour) |
| Vice-Regal Role | Governor of Western Australia (1963–1974) |
| Major Awards | KCMG, CB, CBE, DSO & Three Bars |
Final Years and Legacy
After leaving Western Australia, Sir Douglas held several prestigious positions, including Commissioner of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and President of the Knights of the Round Table. He passed away on February 28, 1989, at the age of 78 in Islip, Northamptonshire.
His legacy continues to be honored in the military; in April 2012, the former RAF Cottesmore in Rutland was renamed Kendrew Barracks in his memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sir Douglas Kendrew's role in Western Australia?
He served as the 22nd Governor of Western Australia from October 25, 1963, to January 6, 1974, representing the British monarch.
Which military conflicts did Major-General Kendrew participate in?
He served with distinction in both the Second World War (specifically in North Africa, Italy, Greece, and Austria) and the Korean War.
What were his achievements in rugby union?
He played as a prop for Leicester and the England national team, captaining England in 1935 and participating in the 1930 British Lions tour of Australasia.
What is the significance of the "Three Bars" attached to his DSO?
The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is awarded for meritorious or distinguished service. A "bar" indicates a subsequent award of the same honor; having three bars means he was awarded the DSO a total of four times.
Did Sir Douglas Kendrew face any danger during his military career?
Yes, while serving as the General Officer Commanding in Cyprus in September 1958, he survived an assassination attempt by EOKA fighters.