Murray Robson

His grandfather, William Robson, was also a Member of the NSW Legislative Council from 1900 to 1920.

Lieutenant Colonel Ewan Murray Robson (7 March 1906 – 26 August 1974) was an Australian lawyer, soldier and a member of the New South Wales Parliament for over twenty years.

Known for most of his life as Murray Robson, he was born in Sydney and educated at Newington College and the University of Sydney, where he gained degrees in arts and law.

Murray Robson was born in Ashfield, New South Wales on 7 March 1906, the second son of long-serving NSW politician William Elliott Veitch Robson and Mabel Jackson Wise.

Being educated at Newington College from 1918 to 1923, Robson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (1927) and a Bachelor of Law (1930) at the University of Sydney while a resident of St. Paul's College.

Robson was admitted as a solicitor on 4 June 1930 and practised with his father at Robson & Cowlishaw.

He married Lesley Alison Martin in 1931 at St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Sydney and had two sons.

When sitting United Australia Party (UAP) MP William Foster died in office, Robson stood as an Independent UAP candidate at the resulting by-election in Foster's vacated Legislative Assembly seat of Vaucluse.

Transferring to the 2/31st Battalion in the 7th Division, and was trained in the AIF School.

After working several years as a solicitor, Robson stood for, and was elected to, parliament on 29 August 1936 at a by-election for the seat of Vaucluse.

He served many years on the backbenches, he enlisted in World War II and served with distinction during the war, gaining promotion to lieutenant colonel and receiving the Distinguished Service Order for his service.

At the by-election on 29 August 1936, he emerged successful, with 62.63% of the vote, becoming the third generation of his family to serve in the NSW Parliament.

At the 4 March 1938 election, Robson retained his seat uncontested.

Soon after his election Robson joined the UAP but soon joined a group of government backbenchers who were unhappy with the Bertram Stevens government's economic management and the party's control over preselection, becoming prominent in the struggle that led to the resignation of the Premier Stevens and his replacement by Alexander Mair in August 1939.

When the Second World War broke out, Robson initially enlisted as a lieutenant in the Militia from 29 September 1939.

On 25 December, Robson was granted a leave of absence from the NSW Parliament, with his father dealing with his affairs, and enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force on 29 December.

Embarking for Scotland with the 2nd/5th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, in May 1940, he disembarked at Gourock, Scotland on 18 June 1940.

On 3 March 1941, he left Britain, arriving in the Middle East on 9 March.

On 9 May 1941, he was appointed to captain.

In June 1941 Captain Robson received a shrapnel wound to the foot while fighting in Syria.

Attached to the Middle East Tactical School, he rejoined his unit in February 1942 and served with distinction in North Africa, being promoted to major on 8 October 1942.

On 3 December 1942, Robson departed North Africa with his unit, disembarking at Brisbane, Queensland, on 8 January 1943.

On 11 June 1943, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and given command of the 2/31st Battalion.

In August 1943 Robson sailed with his unit to New Guinea where he suffered bouts of malaria.

He was Mentioned in Despatches three times.

"Government House, Canberra. 27th April, 1944.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the South-West Pacific: — Lt.Col.

E. M. Robson (NX 349).

For courage, coolness, determination and resourceful leadership in the field.

Throughout the New Guinea Campaign Lieut-Col Robson was outstanding in his leadership.

His efficient handling of his command down Markham Valley to Lae, when his battalion carried out a major outflanking movement, was largely responsible for the rapid overpowering and destruction of the enemy.

During the four months of the campaign, he continually made his early recess, and was constantly among his most forward troops.

By his actions he inspired complete confidence in all under his command."

- (Sgd) G.A.Vasey, Maj-Gen.

Returning to politics, he had missed the foundation of the Liberal Party in 1945.

On 6 March 1945 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, on a recommendation by his Commanding officer, Major General George Alan Vasey.

When long-time Leader Vernon Treatt resigned the leadership in 1954 and contests between Deputy Leader Robert Askin and Pat Morton became deadlocked he was asked to stand and was consequently elected as party leader and Leader of the Opposition.

He served little more than a year before he was deposed by Pat Morton.

In 1957 he retired from politics and returned to his legal career before retiring.

He died of a heart attack in August 1974.