Neil Mackenzie Freeman

Brigadier Neil Mackenzie Freeman DSO (April 21, 1890 – 1961) was a high-ranking officer of the Australian Army. He served in the infantry during the First World War, rising to the rank of major within the First Australian Imperial Force and receiving the Distinguished Service Order in November 1917 for actions during the Battle of Polygon Wood, serving with the 58th Battalion and then the 31st, both of which he commanded briefly. After discharge from the service, he returned to his city of birth – Geelong – to work as a councillor, standing for election to the Australian Parliament. He became a solicitor, holding a law degree from Melbourne University, and worked for a law firm before setting up his own practice. Following the outbreak of World War II, Freeman returned to the armed forces and rose to the rank of brigadier. He was discharged from the Army on 3 July 1943; his last posting was to the 3rd Military District's infantry training brigade.