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Sir Robert Menzies

Sir Robert Menzies

Birth and Nationality

Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, commonly known as Bob Menzies, was the fourth of the five children of James, a storekeeper, and Kate Menzies. Bob was born on the 20th of December 1894 at Jeparit, Victoria, Australia. Sir Robert Menzies was the 12th Prime Minister of Australia. His 18 years of service as Prime Minister made him the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister.

Education

Because Bob’s parents lack formal education, his parents strived hard so they could send their children to the best schools. Bob attended Ballarat's Humffray Street State School, where he topped the State scholarship examination. The scholarship enabled him to attend Grenville College, a private school, for two years. Another scholarship made him enter Wesley College in Melbourne. He finished law education in 1916 at the University of Melbourne and passed the bar exam on May 13, 1918.

Personal Life

In 1920, he got wed to Pattie Leckie, daughter of political leader John Leckie. They had three children named Heather, Ian, and Kenneth. Career His career as a lawyer eventually led him to politics. In 1928, he put an end to his law career and joined Nationalist Party of Australia as a member of Victorian Legislative Council representing the province of East Yarra.

The highlights of his political career are as follows:

  • From May to July of 1932, he became Deputy Premier of Victoria.
  • In 1934, he represented United Australia Party (UAP)
  • On April 18, 1939, he was elected as Leader of UAP
  • On April 26, 1939, at the age of 44, he swore as Australia’s 12th Prime Minister, with an all-UAP member of the cabinet
  • On January 26, 1966, at the age of 71 and on his second term as Prime Minister, he voluntarily retired his eighteen-year position as Prime Minister.

Who is Sir. Robert Menzies?

Sir Robert Menzies is ranked first in the rankings of longest-serving prime ministers of Australia. He held the position twice, from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966. Altogether his 18-years long tenure as an Australian prime minister remains an unbeaten record till now!

Early life:

Sir Robert Menzies was born in Jeparit on 20 December 1894. In 1916, he graduated in law from the University of Melbourne. He had won a series of scholarships by the time he finished secondary and university education. Very soon he established himself as one of Melbourne's leading lawyers. In 1920 a federal nationalist John Leckie’s daughter Pattie Leckie became his wife. He has three children, Kenneth, Ian and Heather. His speech ‘The forgotten people’ established him as a renowned public speaker.� Menzies left his law practice in 1928 to enter state parliament. He became Prime Minister in 1939, following the death of the United Australia Party leader Joseph Lyons and was forced to resign in 1941. Again at the 1949 federal election, Sir. Robert Menzies was elected as the Prime Minister defeating Ben Chifley’s Labor Party.

Death: Sir. Robert Menzies died on 15th May 1978 at Melbourne.�

The following are the honors bestowed upon Sir Robert Menzies.

  • Kings Counsel (1929)
  • Privy Councillor (1937)
  • US League of Merit (1950)
  • Companion of Honour (1951)
  • Order of the Thistle (1963)
  • Warden of the Cinque Ports (1965)
  • Order of the Rising Sun, First Class (1973)
  • Knight of the Order of Australia (1976)

Medals received:

  • King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (1935)
  • King George VI Coronation Medal (1937)
  • Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953)

Eponyms of Menzies include the following:

  • Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Foundation
  • Menzies School of Health Research Australia
  • R. G. Menzies Building, Australian National University Library
  • Menzies Research Centre
  • Menzies College (La Trobe University)
  • Robert Menzies College (Macquarie University)
  • Sir Robert Menzies Building (Monash University, Clayton Campus)
  • The Australian federal electoral division of Menzies
  • Menzies Wing (Wesley College, Melbourne)

12th Prime Minister of Australia
In office: 19 December 1949– 26 January 1966
Monarch George VI, Elizabeth II
Governor General Sir William McKell, Sir William Slim, Viscount Dunrossil, Viscount De L'Isle, Lord Casey
Preceded by Ben Chifley
Succeeded by Harold Holt
In office: 26 April 1939– 29 August 1941
Monarch George VI
Governor General Lord Gowrie
Preceded by Earle Page
Succeeded by Arthur Fadden
Member of the Australian Parliament for Kooyong
In office: 15 September 1934– 16 February 1966
Preceded by John Latham
Succeeded by Andrew Peacock
Deputy Premier of Victoria
In office: May 1932– July 1934
Preceded by John Latham
Succeeded by Andrew Peacock
Personal details
Born Robert Gordon Menzies 20 December 1894 Jeparit, Victoria, Australia
Died 15 May 1978 (aged 83) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Political party Nationalist (1928–1931) UAP (1931–1945) Liberal (1945–1966)
Spouse(s) Dame Pattie Menzies (ne Leckie)
Children 3
Alma mater University of Melbourne
Profession Lawyer
Religion Presbyterianism

Types Of Visas

Immigration Info

Australian History

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