Kendall, Ernest Arthur, GMVC 1897, BVSc 1911

COL. E.A. KENDALL.

We regret to announce the death, on Monday, 21st March, 1938, of Colonel Ernest Arthur Kendall, C.M.G., V.D., B.V.Sc., at the age of 61 years.

Col. Kendall, affectionately known as " K " to his colleagues, was the eldest son of the late Dr. W. T. Kendall, who in 1888 founded the Melbourne Veterinary College.  He was educated at Scotch College, Melbourne, and then took the veterinary course at his father's institution.  After a graduate course, he gained the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the Melbourne University in 1911.  Kendall joined the Victorian Department of Agriculture as a Veterinary officer in 1908, and in 1926 succeeded Dr. W.A.N. Robertson as Chief Veterinary Officer.  In 1933 he acted as chairman of a special committee appointed by the Government to investigate Melbourne's milk supply.  The report of the committee resulted in the legislation creating the Milk Board.  Kendall was appointed the first chairman of the Board in 1934, a position which he held at the time of his death.

Col. Kendall was a distinguished military officer who saw active service in two wars.  He was the principal veterinary officer of the Victorian contingent in the Boer War, and at the outbreak of the Great War in 1914 he formed and commanded the Australian Army Veterinary Corps.  He saw service in Egypt and France and was awarded the C.M.G.

"K " was always vitally interested in matters concerning his profession In 1913 he was instrumental in the formation of the Veterinary Association of Victoria, the first meeting being held in March, 1914.  He acted as Hon. Secretary of the Association from the time of its inception until 1924.  He held the office of President in 1928 and 1929, and served on the Councils of both the Australian and Victorian Associations.

"K " will always be remembered as a loyal conscientious public servant, noted for his integrity and straight dealing.  He was a true friend, and in his passing the profession has lost a valued colleague and the community a fine man and citizen.  He left a widow, three daughters and two sons, and to them the profession extends its deepest sympathy ill their bereavement.

Studio portrait of four sibling members of the Kendall family. Standing, left to right: Sister Eleanor Jane Kendall, AANS; Lieutenant-Colonel (Lt-Col) William Augustus Kendall, Australian Army Veterinary Corps (AAVC). Seated, left to right: Lt-Col Ernest Arthur Kendall, 2nd Remounts (later appointed Deputy Director of Veterinary Services and awarded DSO); Lt-Col John Kendall (later awarded OBE), AAVC. All four returned to Australia at the end of the First World War. c 1915. Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial