Interview with Major General Ronald Hassett

An interview with Major General Ronald (Ron) Douglas Patrick Hassett, describing his military career. Mentions his childhood, education and role models. Talks about his military training at the Royal Military College of Duntroon in Canberra, involvement during World War II with the artillery in New Zealand, New Guinea, Egypt, Italy (describes battles including Cassino). Recalls time in Palestine, mentions holocaust survivors. Talks about administration at the end of the war. Mentions training school in Austria and Larkhill, and returning to New Zealand in 1951. Talks about war brides.

Mentions various business projects and selling ideas to firms in South East Asia.

Describes various training posts in New Zealand including Linton, as Brigade Major of Divisional Artillery during compulsory military training, and as chief instructor at Waiouru School of Artillery. Recalls spending time at the Australian Staff College, Queenscliff, Melbourne.

Talks about nine months in Korea, Malaysia as Brigade Major of the Commonwealth Brigade, (mentions Brigadier Frank Hassett). Recalls making reconnaissance arrangements for equipment for troops in Vietnam.

Discusses his role in the establishment of the Waiouru Army Museum which opened in 1978.

Talks about his role as Chief of General Staff 1976 until his retirement in 1978.

Interviewer(s) - Sherryl Allen

Accompanying material - One colour copy of Major General Hassett in his uniform (midshot) - note printed onto paper - the printer was out of yellow ink. Four black and white copies on paper of the same photo.

Accompanying material - Includes Agreement & biographical information form.

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-10769 - 70

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.20 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3821.

Search dates: 1939 - 1990

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-006232 - OHLC-006233

Copy held at the Army Museum, Waiouru