19 Facts About Murray Bourchier

Brigadier Sir Murray William James Bourchier, CMG, DSO, VD was an Australian soldier and politician.

Murray Bourchier was Deputy Premier of Victoria from April 1935 until June 1936.

Murray Bourchier was educated privately in Melbourne and afterwards worked at Woodland Park.

Murray Bourchier served with the regiment in the Gallipoli, Egyptian, Sinai, Palestine and Syrian campaigns.

Murray Bourchier became the acting commander of "A" Squadron on 19 October 1915 and gained his substantive captaincy on 22 November.

Murray Bourchier was promoted to major on 20 January 1916.

Murray Bourchier assumed full command of "A" Squadron on 1 February 1916.

Murray Bourchier was promoted to lieutenant colonel on 15 March 1917 and took command of the 4th Light Horse Regiment.

Murray Bourchier received the Distinguished Service Order on 4 November 1917:.

In September 1918 Murray Bourchier again commanded a joint force of the 4th and 12th Regiments in the final advance on Damascus, capturing 12,000 Turks.

Murray Bourchier was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George on 3 June 1919 for the following recommendation:.

Murray Bourchier captured the enemy's position at KAUKAB by a spirited mounted charge of two Regiments without any delay and thus opened the way to DAMASCUS where his troops were the first to enter.

Murray Bourchier remained an officer in the Australian Citizens Military Forces, becoming colonel in command of the 5th Cavalry Brigade in 1921 and Brigadier in command of the 2nd Cavalry Division in 1931.

Murray Bourchier was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1920, representing the Victorian Farmers' Union in the electoral district of Goulburn Valley.

Murray Bourchier's maiden speech was an attack on the Lawson government's neglect of ex-servicemen.

Murray Bourchier was re-elected as a Country Party candidate in 1921 and re-elected several times until his resignation in 1936.

Murray Bourchier resigned from Parliament in August 1936 and was appointed Victorian Agent-General.

Murray Bourchier died in London from pernicious anaemia and cancer on 16 December 1937.

Murray Bourchier married Minona Francis Madden, daughter of politician Sir Frank Madden, on 16 June 1921.