Cutler and Morris families collection, 1909-1995

fonds

1909-1995

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Clippings, Nonmusical Sound Recordings, Photographs

421345

5.58 metres of textual material (30 boxes, 1 folder and 1 outsize item) - manuscript, computer printouts, photocopy, typescript, typescript, photocopy, typescript, carbon, typescript, processed, and printed
Clippings - some photocopies
Sound Recordings
Albums
Photographs

Arthur Roden Cutler (1916-2002) was born in Manly, N.S.W., the eldest child of Arthur William Cutler and his wife, Ruby Daphne, nee Pope. He was educated at Sydney Boys' High School and the University of Sydney where he graduated Bachelor of Economics. He was commissioned as Lieutenant in the Sydney University Regiment (Citizens Military Forces) in November 1939 and transferred to the 2nd A.I.F. in April 1940. He served in the Middle East with the 2/5th Field Regiment (7th Division Artillery). In 1941 Cutler was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry during the Syrian Campaign and for outstanding bravery at Damour, where he was seriously injured and subsequently had a leg amputated. He has the distinction of being the only Australian artilleryman to win the decoration.

Cutler's return to civilian life initiated a distinguished career in public service. He became the first veteran of World War II to join the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia (R.S.L.) and, in 1942, the State Secretary of the R.S.L. (N.S.W. Branch). There followed stints as Assistant Deputy Director of Security (N.S.W.) and Deputy Commissioner of Repatriation. His diplomatic career began with his appointment as Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, 1946-1952, followed by postings in Ceylon, 1952-1955, and Pakistan, 1959-1961, with an intervening term as Minister of the Australian Legation in Egypt, 1955-1956. He acted as Secretary-General of the South-East Asia Treaty Organization Council and Military Advisers' Meeting in Canberra in 1957 before taking up the position of Chief of the Consular and Protocol Division of the Department of External Affairs, 1957-1958. He served as Consul-General in New York, 1961-1965, then Ambassador to The Netherlands, 1965-1966. Cutler was sworn in as Governor of N.S.W. in January 1966 and retired from vice-regal life in 1981. He was appointed Chairman of the State Bank of N.S.W., 1981-1986, and chaired or served on the boards of several companies and foundations. For his distinguished achievements he was appointed C.B.E., 1957; K.C.M.G., 1965; K.C.V.O., 1970; and made a Knight of the Order of Australia, 1981.

Sir Roden Cutler married first, in 1946, Helen Gray Annetta Morris; they had four sons, David (b. 1947), Anthony (b. 1948), Richard (b. 1952) and Mark (b. 1956). Born in Sydney, she was educated at St. Catherine's School for Girls, Waverley, N.S.W., Sydney Church of England Girls' Grammar School, and Hopewood House Finishing School. She served in the Australian Women's Army Service, 1942-1946, having been commissioned as Lieutenant in 1944. She was patron of numerous organisations, President of the Girl Guides Association (N.S.W.) and the Australian Red Cross Society (N.S.W. Division), and Honorary Colonel of the Women's Royal Australian Army Corps. She was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1980. Lady Helen Cutler died in 1990. Sir Roden Cutler married secondly, in 1993, Joan Goodwin. He died in Sydney on 21 February 2002 and was accorded a state funeral, held at St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Cutler family - papers, 1909-1995
Morris family - papers, 1913-1963
Cutler and Morris families - pictorial material

This collection comprises 3 manuscript and pictorial record series. You may navigate to a more detailed description of each series from this collection record.