Harold Edward Elliott

Harold Edward Elliott was born on 19 June 1878 in West Charlton, Victoria, Australia. He was the son of James Burston, a businessman and former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, and Marianne McBean. He attended Melbourne Church of England Grammar School and then studied law at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 1900. He enlisted in the Imperial Bushmen in the South African War, where he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and commissioned as a lieutenant. He returned to Australia in 1901 and practised law in Melbourne. He joined the Militia in 1904 and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel by 1913. He married Catherine Campbell in 1909 and they had four children: Neil, Keith, Marjorie and Helen. He was also active in politics as a member of the Liberal Party. He joined the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in 1914 and formed and commanded the 7th Battalion, which he led in the landing at Anzac on 25 April 1915, and the Battle of Lone Pine in August. He was wounded twice and mentioned in despatches four times. He was promoted to brigadier general in March 1916 and given command of the 15th Brigade, which he led on the Western Front. He fought in the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, where he lost over half of his brigade. He was wounded again and awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He also fought in the Second Battle of Bullecourt in May 1917, where he captured part of the Hindenburg Line. He was awarded a Bar to his DSO and appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. He led his brigade in the Battle of Polygon Wood in September 1917, where he turned a near-defeat into a victory. He was wounded for the fourth time and appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath. He also fought in the Battle of Amiens in August 1918, where he captured Villers-Bretonneux. He was awarded a second Bar to his DSO and mentioned in despatches four more times. He was also decorated by France and Russia for his service. He returned to Australia in 1919 and resumed his law practice. He also became involved in veterans' affairs as president of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Imperial League of Australia (Victoria Branch). He was elected as a Senator for Victoria in 1919 and served until 1928. He was known for his outspokenness and independence on various issues, such as immigration, defence, pensions and taxation. He also supported Billy Hughes as leader of the Nationalist Party until 1922, when he switched to Stanley Bruce's side. He lost his seat in 1928 but regained it in 1931 as a member of the United Australia Party. However, he died before taking his seat, committing suicide by gunshot at his home in Malvern on 23 March 1931. He was buried at Burwood Cemetery with full military honours¹.