further more for those not in Australia this is what "encarta" have to say about the great man
Sir John Monash (1865-1931), Australian soldier, engineer, and administrator. Born in Melbourne, Monash graduated from the University of Melbourne in engineering and law. In the late 1880s, having decided to combine a military career with engineering, he became a reserve army officer and set up an engineering business that undertook various construction projects. At the outbreak of World War I (1914-1918) he was appointed to command the 4th Infantry Brigade of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), which took part in the Gallipoli campaign. He was then moved to France, promoted to major-general, and, during 1917 and 1918, commanded the 3rd Division at Messines in the battles leading up to Passchendale. His division was instrumental in countering the German offensive. From June 1918, as lieutenant-general, he was corps commander and further enhanced his reputation through brilliant leadership in the closing battles of the war. For his outstanding military achievements he received honors from Britain, France, Belgium, and the United States. After the war, Monash was general manager of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, and as such played a major role in developing the industry. In later life he advised the government on engineering projects and military matters. He died on October 8, 1931; his state funeral was the largest yet held in Australia. Monash is remembered as Australia’s greatest soldier. His remarkable qualities included a forceful personality, decisiveness, capacity to work harmoniously with all ranks, and meticulous attention to detail in the planning of battles.
