Eric Harrison facts for kids
Sir Eric John Harrison (born September 7, 1892 – died September 26, 1974) was an important Australian politician and diplomat. He was the very first deputy leader of the Liberal Party from 1945 to 1956. He also served as a government minister for four different prime ministers. Later, he became Australia's top representative in the United Kingdom, known as the High Commissioner, from 1956 to 1964.
Harrison was born in Sydney and left school when he was 13 years old. He fought for Australia in World War I. After the war, he managed a textile factory. In 1931, Harrison was elected to the House of Representatives, representing the United Australia Party (UAP). He held several important government jobs, including Minister for Interior and Postmaster-General.
In 1944, he became the deputy leader of the UAP. When the new Liberal Party was formed in 1945, he was chosen as its first deputy leader. In Robert Menzies' government, Harrison was in charge of different defence-related roles. He also became the first Leader of the House in 1951. Harrison left politics in 1956 to become the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He retired in 1964. His daughter, Shirley Walters, also became a politician, being the first woman to represent Tasmania in the Senate.
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Early Life and Military Service
Eric Harrison was born in Surry Hills, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales. His mother was from Ireland, and his father, who was a painter, was from England. Eric went to Crown Street Superior Public School. When he was 13, he left school to start working in the textile industry. He eventually became a factory manager.
In October 1916, Harrison joined the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. He fought on the Western Front starting in December 1917. He was promoted to sergeant in May 1918. After the war, he returned to Australia and married Mary Cook McCall in 1920.
Starting His Political Journey
Even though Eric Harrison had not been very involved in politics before, he started a local political group in Sydney in 1931. In the December 1931 elections, he won a seat in the House of Representatives for the area called Wentworth. He was part of the United Australia Party (UAP).
In October 1934, he became the Minister for the Interior. This job involved managing internal affairs for the country. He held other important roles in government, including Minister without portfolio administering External Territories and Postmaster-General.
During World War II
When World War II began, Eric Harrison continued to serve in government. In October 1940, he became the Minister for Trade and Customs. He was a strong supporter of Prime Minister Robert Menzies. When Menzies' government lost power in October 1941, Harrison became part of the opposition.
During the war, Harrison also worked as a liaison officer with the United States military forces in Australia. This meant he helped connect the Australian and US military groups. His first wife passed away in 1941. In October 1944, he married Linda Ruth Yardley.
In April 1944, he became the deputy leader of the UAP. Later that year, when the UAP became part of the new Liberal Party of Australia, Harrison was chosen as its first deputy leader. He held this important position until 1956. He was the longest-serving Liberal Party Deputy Leader for many years.
After the War: A Key Government Role
After the Liberal Party won the December 1949 election, Eric Harrison became one of the most important members of the government. He was the third-highest-ranking person, after Prime Minister Menzies and the leader of the Country Party.
He served as Minister for Postwar Reconstruction and Minister for Defence. From 1950 to 1951, he lived in London for a period. In May 1951, he became Minister for Defence Production and the first ever Leader of the House. This role involves managing the government's business in parliament.
For two weeks in June 1954, Eric Harrison was the acting prime minister. This happened when Prime Minister Menzies was away and the deputy prime minister was recovering from an accident.
Later Life and Achievements
In 1956, Eric Harrison left parliament and became Australia's High Commissioner in London. This meant he was Australia's main representative and diplomat in the United Kingdom. He retired in September 1964 and returned to Australia.
He passed away in Chatswood in 1974 from Parkinson's disease. He was survived by his wife and his three daughters from his first marriage. One of his daughters, Shirley Walters, became a Senator for Tasmania from 1975 to 1993, following in her father's footsteps in politics.
Honours and Recognition
Eric Harrison received several special honours for his service. In 1954, he was made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO). This honour was given to him by Queen Elizabeth II herself because he was the minister in charge of her royal visit to Australia.
In 1961, he was also appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). This award was given to him for his excellent work as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. These knighthoods meant he was known as "Sir Eric Harrison."
See also
In Spanish: Eric Harrison para niños
