Gustave Ramaciotti

Major General Gustave Mario Ramaciotti CMG (13 March 1861 – 6 December 1927) was an Italian-born Australian law clerk, theatrical manager and soldier who was well known in Sydney's legal services.

Early life

Ramaciotti was born in Livorno, Italy. He arrived in Queensland, Australia in his teenage years, and in 1878 joined the Rockhampton Volunteers, Queensland Defence Force as a private. In 1880 he was naturalised. He became a law clerk and married Ada Wilson in 1882. As managing clerk of the conveyancing department of Minter Simpson & Co, he became well known in Sydney legal circles until his retirement from law in 1904. He became a partner in Australia's largest theatrical company with J. C. Williamson and George Tallis. After selling his shares in J C Williamson Ltd he bought the Theatre Royal, in King Street Sydney, the neighbouring Sutton's Hotel and adjoining land at the rear of these properties.

Military career

Ramaciotti's military interests continued and in 1890 he had been commissioned as a Second Lieutenant with the Second Infantry Regiment. By 1909 he was a Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the First Battalion of the Second Infantry. He went on to command the 24th Infantry (Second Sydney Battalion) and was promoted to Colonel in the Eleventh Infantry Brigade. During World War I his duties were largely confined to home, but he eventually became Inspector General of administration at Army Headquarters, Melbourne. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1917, and on his retirement in 1920 he was appointed an honorary Major General.

Children

• Clive Ramaciotti (died 1967)
• Vera Ramaciotti

Death

Gustave Ramaciotti spent his remaining years travelling between Australia and Italy, until his death on a visit home to Australia on 6 December 1927. He was survived by his children Clive and Vera and his estate was sworn for probate in NSW at £91,485.

• Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George