Harold Edward Holt

Harold Edward Holt 1908-67, Australian political leader. After studying law, he entered politics and became associated with Robert Gordon Menzies . He held a number of cabinet offices in Menzies's governments and was minister of labor and national service (1949-58), minister of immigration (1949-56), and treasurer (1958-66) in Menzies's Liberal-Country party coalition. When Menzies retired in 1966, Holt succeeded as Liberal party leader and prime minister. During his short tenure he increased the number of Australian troops in South Vietnam, a policy that caused controversy in Australia. He disappeared when he went swimming in rough surf in Dec., 1967, and is believed to have died by drowning.

Holt, Harold (b. 5 Aug. 1908, d. 17 Dec. 1967). Prime Minister of Australia 1966–7 Born in Sydney, he graduated with a law degree from the University of Melbourne, becoming a solicitor in 1933. He became a Member of the House of Representatives in 1935 for the United Australian Party and, later, for its successor, the Liberal Party. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces in 1940, but was recalled to become Minister for Labour and National Service (1940–1). He regained this portfolio in 1949, until he was made Treasurer in 1958. The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party from 1956, he became Prime Minister upon Menzies's retirement. He disappeared while swimming in the sea and was presumed dead.

Holt, Harold Edward (1908–67) Australian statesman. He represented the United Australia Party and then the Liberal Party, holding a series of portfolios from 1939. After MENZIES retired in 1966, Holt became Prime Minister. His term of office coincided with Australia's increasing and controversial involvement in the VIETNAM WAR.