The Australian Women's Register

Summary

Former primary school teacher Barbara MacLeod joined the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service in 1954. During her service she served in every Australian state except Western Australia. In 1976 MacLeod became the first woman officer of any service to attend the Australian Administrative Staff College (AASC). Three years later she was the first woman naval officer of Captain’s rank to be posted to a male Captain’s position. In 1982 MacLeod became an Honorary Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Queen Elizabeth. She was the first Australian woman to be appointed as an ADC, a post which had to be relinquished on her retirement. On 9 June 1975 Naval Officer Barbara MacLeod became a Member of the Order of Australia. She was also awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal (1977) and the National Medal (1977) and Bar (1979).

Events

• 1976

  Completed Advance Course at the Australian Administrative Staff College (AASC)

• 1950

  Graduated from the Western Australian Teachers College

• 2053

  Joined the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) as a Direct Entry Officer Candidate

• 2054

  Commenced Officer Training Course

• 2054

  Commissioned as a probationary Third Officer

• 2058

  Promoted to Second Officer

• 1973 - 1979

  Appointed Director of the WRANS

• 1970

  First woman sent by Defence to the Australian Administrative Staff College

• 2063

  Advised on the setting up of the Wrans’ quarters at HMAS Albatross, the naval air station at Nowra, NSW

• 1975

  Appointed a member in the Military Divisions of the Order of Australia

• 1979 - 1984

  Appointed Director of Navy Industrial policy and responsible for policy on housing, leave and pay

• 1982

  Appointed Aide-de-Camp to Queen Elizabeth and required to attend Royal functions whenever the Queen was in Australia

• 1977

  Awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal

• 1977

  Awarded the National Medal

• 1979

  Awarded Bar for the National Medal

• 1951 - 1953

  Primary school teacher in Western Australia

• 1971 - 1973

  Command WRANS officer to flag officer commanding East Australian Area

• 1975 - 1978

  Vice-president of the Australian Naval Institute

• 1975

  Foundation member of the Australian Naval Institute

• 2062

  Promoted to First Officer

• 1972

  Promoted to Chief Officer