Major General Kenneth William Eather, CB, CBE, DSO, ED (6 July 1901 – 9 May 1993) was a senior Australian Army officer who served during the Second World War.

Ken was educated at Abbotsholme College, a boarding school that was later attended by future prime ministers Harold Holt and William McMahon.

On 4 Jan 41 he continued to lead his battalion with great daring and exploited the success of the first day and again captured several thousands of prisoners.

During the whole period of the attack, Lieutenant Colonel Eather set a fine example of initiative which was an inspiration to his battalion, and his general bearing throughout brought forth the admiration of his men.

Lieutenant Colonel Eather was on the spot and his coolness, and advice restored confidence in the sergeant in charge of the party.

[14] En route in the Australian Army transport Katoomba, it was diverted to Port Moresby to help stem the Japanese advance on that important Allied base over the Kokoda Trail.

By this tactic of withdrawing through the lines of other Australian units in defensive positions, to set up new defensive positions, the Australians of the raw militia battalions together with the hardened AIF battalions returned from the Middle East were able to avoid pincer assaults by the Japanese, who were in superior strength, while stretching Japanese supply lines to unsustainable lengths.

[16] His forces moved back to Imita Ridge, a naturally strong position, from which they held the Japanese to their southernmost land-based advance of the war, supported by battery of 25 pounders, which had been brought up the Track.

Beset by logistical and health difficulties and hard pressed on Guadalcanal, they were forced to end their advance on the Kokoda Trail.

Eather's force now began to push the Japanese back over the mountains, but slowly through the thick, slimy jungles.

Eather's men suffered heavy casualties from the enemy and tropical diseases, the 25th Infantry Brigade being almost wiped out.

[24] Eather was awarded the United States Distinguished Service Cross "for extraordinary heroism in action in New Guinea, during the Papuan campaign, 23 July 1942, to 8 January 1943.

As Commander 25th Infantry Brigade, Australian Army, Brigadier Eather displayed extraordinary courage, marked efficiency and precise execution of operations during the Papuan campaign".

[25] His citation read:For gallant leadership, outstanding devotion to duty, sustained untiring effort and conspicuous skill and ability in the OWEN STANLEY RANGE, NEW GUINEA, CAMPAIGN during the period from 12 Sep 42 to 29 Oct 42.

Throughout this arduous campaign Brigadier EATHER set an example of tenacity and endurance which was an inspiration to all who came within his influence and he efficiently demonstrated that he was at all times in complete control of the situation which confronted him, proving himself a commander who at all times was able to display sound judgement, coolness and mental clarity which were conducive to excellent planning and quick decisions.

[27] As the diggers moved down the Markham Valley Road they occasionally encountered sick Japanese soldiers who held the column momentarily.

The column entered Lae unopposed by the Japanese only to be strafed by the United States Fifth Air Force and shelled by Australian artillery.

In his next campaign in Borneo, however, Eather dispensed with speed in favour of a systemic advance making maximum use of firepower.

The enemy quickly recovered from his confusion caused by the preliminary bombardment and assault and formed strong rearguards supported by artillery and determined to fight to the death to resist our further advance in this area.

Brigadier EATHER by his capacity to command, by his drive and by the skill with which he manoeuvred his brigades contributed in no small measure to the final defeat of the enemy at BALIKPAPAN.

In his old age, Eather spent time with his grandson Eamon, who later joined the Australian Army Reserve and served with the International Force for East Timor.

Three companies of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment provided an honour guard and an oration was given by General Sir Francis Hassett.

[39] Some 1,000 veterans lined George Street, Sydney to pay their last respects to Eather, who was cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium.