Andrew Mattay
| Town/City | Hobart |
|---|---|
| First name | Andrew |
| Last name | Mattay |
| Country of Origin | Hungary |
| Date of Birth | 1941 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | c1950 |
| Submitted by | Attila Urmenyhazi |
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Colonel Andrew I. Mattay (1941-2004)
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Andrew Ivan Mattay (1941-2004) was born in Budapest from Hungarian and British parents. Following his high school education in Hobart, he joined the Australian Army in 1960. Early in his military career he served with distinction in Borneo, in Malaysia (1963-65) and in Vietnam (1970-71). He continued his postgraduate military war studies at The Royal Military College of Canada.
In 1983 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Australian Army. In 1985-86 he served in the Middle-East and afterwards was elevated the post of Army Commanding Officer Tasmania.
He retired in 1996 but remained actively engaged in military journalism and photography. Not losing spirit and keeping his keen sense of humor to the very end, the popular hero passed away at age 63 victim of incurable cancer. His funeral service was held with full military honors at St Mary\’s Cathedral, Hobart on 3 July 2004. Family, service personnel, friends and dignitaries to include the then CDF, General Peter Cosgrove attended the final farewell of the soldier\’s soldier.