George Rankin

George James Rankin, DSO & Bar, VD (1 May 1887 – 28 December 1957) was an Australian soldier and politician.

Rankin served in the 4th Light Horse Regiment and reached Gallipoli in May 1915, was wounded in July, became a captain in December, and a major in March 1916.

Rankin was present at the famous charge at Beersheba on 31 October, and in 1918 was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his gallantry.

The bar's citation reads: For great gallantry, dash and initiative during the operations from El Kuneitra to Damascus.

Rankin was elected chief president of the Victorian United Country Party (VUCP) in 1937, but resigned later that year in order to contest the seat of Bendigo in the Australian House of Representatives.