12 Facts About Eugene Gorman

Eugene Gorman was educated in Sydney at St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill.

Eugene Gorman was posted to the 22nd Battalion, an infantry unit, and on 3 May 1917, during the Second Battle of Bullecourt, he led his company into battle, and despite being severely wounded, remained at his post until the company was relieved.

Eugene Gorman displayed the utmost courage and ability in leading his company during an attack, and, although severely wounded, he remained at his post until his party were relieved after a most exhausting and dangerous turn of duty.

Eugene Gorman later reached the rank of captain in early 1919 before being discharged from the AIF in October 1919 upon his repatriation to Australia.

Eugene Gorman subsequently published a book about his experiences, titled With the Twenty-Second.

Eugene Gorman returned to Australia in 1942, and the following April was appointed to the Second Australian Imperial Force.

Eugene Gorman had some involvement in politics, unsuccessfully standing as a candidate for the Victorian Legislative Council in 1931, and serving as an influential advisor and intermediary for the Country Party Premier of Victoria, Albert Dunstan, from 1935.

In 1940, Eugene Gorman retired from active practice from the Bar, although he retained rooms at Equity Chambers, and came out of retirement on several occasions including serving as counsel for former Premier Thomas Hollway at a Royal Commission on bribery charges in 1952, an inquiry into the Petrov Affair in 1954, and to defend the racehorse trainer Harry Bird in 1969.

From 1956 to 1968, Eugene Gorman was Chairman of the Commonwealth Dried Fruits Export Board.

Eugene Gorman was made a Commander in 1960, and elevated to Knight Commander in 1966.

Eugene Gorman served as Victoria's consul-general to Greece, and was awarded two Greek honours: the gold cross of the Greek Red Cross and Knight Commander of the Royal Order of the Phoenix.

Eugene Gorman married French-born Marthe Vallee, whom he had met while serving in France during the First World War, at St Patrick's Cathedral on 6 September 1920.