Parnell, John W (OW1876)

John W Parnell (OW1876) CMG, OBE was an exemplary student in his years at Wesley between 1876 and 1880.  An excellent all-round sportsman he regularly received certificates for Regularity, Industry and Good Conduct.

In 1885, after some time at the University of Melbourne studying medicine, he joined the 1^st Battalion Victorian Rifles and so began a distinguished career in military and public service.

In the period prior to WW1 he studied engineering both in Australia and in England.   In 1901 he organised the Military tattoo and ceremonial events for the Federation of Australia.  He was at times the military commander of Tasmania, Queensland and Victoria and Aide-de-Camp to two Governor-Generals.

But all of this background provided the basis for his role in one of the most important Australian jobs in the WW1 as Commandant of the Royal Military College (RMC) at Duntroon, Canberra.

Parnell took over from the original Commandant, General Bridges in June 1914. Bridges was eventually appointed to lead the First AIF and died of wounds at Gallipoli in May 1915.  In August 1914, the first graduates of the RMC were fast-tracked to enable them to join the First AIF.  Included in this group were two former Wesley students, CW Wolfenden (OW1908) and JS Whitelaw (OW1909).

Running Duntroon during WW1 was a difficult challenge with the demand to quickly provide high quality officers while many of the senior teaching staff sought active service roles and often their replacements sent by the British Army were less than satisfactory.

Parnell sought at least twice a field role with the AIF, but was ordered by the Government to remain at his post at Duntroon training future officers.  The record shows that he was a fair and well-respected leader with the welfare of the men under his command always front of mind.  In 1920, at the conclusion of his command, he was awarded the OBE and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General.

His career concluded with his appointment as Administrator and Chief Magistrate of Norfolk Island from 1920 to 1924.  He then retired from service living in Melbourne until his death in 1931. He was accorded a funeral with full military honours and buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery.

Parnell was one of the original members of the OWCA when it was founded in 1882 and in 1913 was President for a one-year term.  The December 1931 Chronicle acknowledges a letter from his widow who noted how he took a great interest in the School and the activities of the OWCA. 

The 1909 Chronicle records his thoughts expressed at an OWCA function in his honour prior to his move to Tasmania:

He looked upon Wesley with a feeling of reverence far more then than just when he was leaving its walls. He thought of all that it had taught him.  He would try to carry out the duties in his new position as he had always tried.  All success that he had achieved he credited to the Old School, and what he had learnt there as a boy.