1923, when he was appointed Director of Naval Reserves. In 1924 he received another promotion, to captain. Bracegirdle was appointed Military and Official Secretary to the Governor-General in 1931. His posting spanned the tenure of three governors-general (Sir Isaac Isaacs, Lord Gowrie, and the Duke of Gloucester). After a couple of extensions his retirement was overdue, and he planned to retire when the Duke of Gloucester returned to Britain in mid-January 1947. He remained at his post, however, to assist the Administrator of the Commonwealth Sir Winston Dugan and while a replacement Official Secretary was found. (The post was offered to two other serving officers, who both declined on the grounds that the salary was too low.) Shortly after William McKell became Governor-General, Murray Tyrrell accepted the position in March 1947. Bracegirdle retired from the Navy having attained the rank of rear admiral. After his retirement, he worked for BHP and held directorships in several other companies. He died on 23 March 1970 in Sydney. References External links The Australian Dictionary of Biography Australian War Memorial |- 1881 births 1970 deaths Australian Companions of the Distinguished Service Order Australian Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George Australian Knights Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Australian military personnel of the Second Boer War Australian military personnel of World War I Military personnel of the Boxer Rebellion Royal Australian Navy admirals Royal Australian Navy personnel of World War II