Leslie Herbert Irwin, CBE (1 May 1898 – 28 January 1985) was an Australian politician. Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, he was educated at state schools and underwent military service 1916–30.[1] Upon the end of his service, he became a bank manager. In 1963, he was selected as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Mitchell in the Australian House of Representatives. He was the last person born in the nineteenth century, the last person born before Federation, and the last World War I veteran elected to the House. He held Mitchell until his defeat in 1972. Irwin died in 1985.[2]

Les Irwin
Member of the Australian Parliament
for Mitchell
In office
30 November 1963 – 2 December 1972
Preceded byJohn Armitage
Succeeded byAlfred Ashley-Brown
Personal details
Born(1898-05-01)1 May 1898
Newcastle, New South Wales
Died28 January 1985(1985-01-28) (aged 86)
NationalityAustralian
Political partyLiberal Party of Australia
OccupationBank manager
AwardsCommander of the Order of the British Empire
Military service
AllegianceAustralia Commonwealth of Australia
Branch/serviceAustralian Army
Australian Flying Corps
Years of service1916–1930
RankLieutenant
Unit35th Battalion

References

edit
  1. ^ World War I Nominal Roll
  2. ^ Carr, Adam (2008). "Australian Election Archive". Psephos, Adam Carr's Election Archive. Archived from the original on 31 August 2003. Retrieved 23 May 2008.
Parliament of Australia
Preceded by Member for Mitchell
1963–1972
Succeeded by