Edmund Herring, Australian general and politician, 7th Chief Justice of Victoria (b. 1892)

Lieutenant General Sir Edmund Francis Herring (2 September 1892 – 5 January 1982) was an exceptionally distinguished Australian figure, renowned for his multifaceted career that spanned military leadership, judicial eminence, and vice-regal service. His life exemplified a profound commitment to public duty, marked by academic excellence, gallantry in two world wars, and significant contributions to the legal and civil administration of Victoria.

A Formative Early Life and Gallantry in World War I

Sir Edmund Herring's intellectual prowess was evident early in his life; he was awarded a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship in 1912, enabling him to attend New College, Oxford. This highly competitive and internationally renowned scholarship program, established by Cecil Rhodes, supports exceptional postgraduate students, fostering academic excellence and leadership potential. His studies were, however, swiftly interrupted by the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Herring immediately joined the Royal Field Artillery, demonstrating remarkable bravery and leadership on the Macedonian front. This often-overlooked theatre of war, characterized by challenging terrain and endemic disease, saw him earn both the Military Cross (MC) and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The Military Cross is awarded for acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land, while the Distinguished Service Order recognises highly meritorious or distinguished service in battle, underscoring his exceptional conduct under fire.

A Distinguished Legal and Military Career Between the Wars

Following the Great War, Herring embarked on a successful legal career, establishing himself as a prominent barrister. His legal acumen was formally recognised with his appointment as a King's Counsel (KC), a highly esteemed status in the British legal system signifying a senior barrister appointed by the Crown based on merit and extensive experience. Concurrently with his civilian legal work, he maintained his profound commitment to military service. Herring remained active in the Australian Army, steadily rising through its ranks to achieve the significant command rank of colonel by 1939, just on the eve of the Second World War. This dual progression in law and military affairs set the stage for his extraordinary contributions in the impending global conflict.

Pivotal Command During the Second World War

The Second World War saw Sir Edmund Herring assume critical command roles, demonstrating strategic insight and leadership under immense pressure in some of the war's most challenging campaigns. Initially, he commanded the 6th Division Artillery during the demanding Western Desert campaign in North Africa, which included significant engagements against Axis forces. He then led his troops in the arduous Battle of Greece in 1941, an Allied attempt to defend Greece against the German invasion. In 1942, as a corps commander, Herring was entrusted with the overall command of Allied land forces during the pivotal Kokoda Track campaign in Papua New Guinea. This brutal jungle warfare campaign, fought against relentless Japanese forces through unforgiving terrain, was crucial in preventing the capture of Port Moresby and represented a significant turning point in the Pacific War. The following year, his strategic direction was instrumental in the successful Salamaua-Lae campaign and the Finisterre Range campaign, both vital operations that further pushed back Japanese advances and secured key strategic positions in New Guinea.

A Legacy of Enduring Public Service: Chief Justice and Lieutenant Governor

After his distinguished military service, Sir Edmund Herring transitioned to an equally remarkable career in public service. He left his corps command to assume the dual roles of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria and Lieutenant Governor of Victoria, positions he held concurrently for an extraordinary three decades. His tenure as Chief Justice, spanning from 1944 to 1964, made him the longest-serving incumbent in that prestigious judicial office, overseeing significant legal cases and ensuring the impartial administration of justice in the state. Concurrently, as Lieutenant Governor (from 1945 to 1972), a vice-regal representative of the Crown who performs essential constitutional and ceremonial duties in the absence of the Governor, he played a vital role in state affairs. In this latter capacity, he was a dedicated patron to numerous charitable organisations, extending his influence and support beyond the military and legal spheres to foster community welfare and various philanthropic causes across Victoria.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Edmund Francis Herring

Who was Lieutenant General Sir Edmund Francis Herring?

Sir Edmund Francis Herring (1892-1982) was a highly decorated Australian Army officer, a distinguished lawyer, and a public servant who uniquely served as both Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria and Lieutenant Governor of Victoria for an extensive period.

What were Sir Edmund Herring's key military achievements?

During World War I, he earned the Military Cross and Distinguished Service Order on the Macedonian front. In World War II, he commanded the 6th Division Artillery in the Western Desert and Greece, and crucially led Allied land forces during the pivotal Kokoda Track campaign in New Guinea, also directing operations in the Salamaua-Lae and Finisterre Range campaigns.

What significant roles did Sir Edmund Herring hold after his military career?

After his distinguished military service, Sir Edmund Herring served concurrently as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Lieutenant Governor of Victoria for three decades, becoming the longest-serving Chief Justice in Victorian history. In his vice-regal role, he was also a patron of many charitable organisations.

What is a Rhodes Scholar, and how did it relate to Sir Edmund Herring?

A Rhodes Scholar is the recipient of an internationally renowned postgraduate award supporting exceptional students to study at the University of Oxford. Sir Edmund Herring was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1912, demonstrating his early academic brilliance before his studies were interrupted by World War I.