Richard Edmond Courtney

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Richard Edmond Courtney (8 September 1870 – 21 October 1919) was an Australian soldier who served in the First World War. He was born in Castlemaine, Victoria, and died in Melbourne at age 49. The Gallipoli site Courtney’s Post is named in his honour.

Education and early life: He went to Melbourne Church of England Grammar School and studied at Trinity College, University of Melbourne, and Melbourne Law School. He earned a BA in 1893 and an LLB in 1897, becoming a solicitor. He came from a military family and joined the volunteer forces early.

Pre-war military career: He led the Victorian Rifles for many years, then commanded the 46th Battalion in 1911 and later the 51st Battalion. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and commanded the 14th Battalion during the early part of the First World War (1914–15).

First World War service: Courtney was in charge of the 14th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force during the Gallipoli Campaign. He served there for about six weeks. In November 1915 he was Mentioned in Despatches and was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath for distinguished service in the field. He was evacuated to Malta and then to England. After recovery, he commanded the Australian and New Zealand Base Depot at Weymouth. He returned to Australia in March 1916, and his AIF appointment ended on 22 May 1916. He also received the Volunteer Officers’ Decoration.

Later roles: He served as acting Camp Commandant for Western Australia from 10 June 1916 to 15 February 1919. In November 1918, while in this role, he used War Precautions Act powers to prohibit liquor sales in Perth from 9am to 9pm. After the war, he became Chief Clerk of the Victorian Repatriation Department.

Death and legacy: He died of a brain haemorrhage in 1919 in Melbourne and was buried with military honours in Coburg Cemetery. Courtney’s life is described in The Courtneys, a Victorian Military Family by Ron Austin (2009).