Charles Herbert Locke
Bert Locke | |
|---|---|
| Born | Charles Herbert Locke 21 September 1910 Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 15 May 1977 (aged 66) San Francisco, California, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Corporate leader, military officer |
| Known for | Chairing Tooheys and Lendlease; commanding Z Special Unit |
Charles Herbert "Bert" Locke OBE (21 September 1910 – 15 May 1977) was an Australian corporate leader known for chairing Tooheys and Lendlease, as well as his involvement in philanthropic fundraising. During the Second World War, he held command of Z Special Unit and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Early life
Born in Turramurra, New South Wales, Locke was the fifth child among seven siblings. His education included time at Newington College (1920–1925) followed by studies at Wrekin College in Shropshire, England. Before entering the insurance industry, he briefly worked as a jackaroo. Subsequently, he joined Prudential Assurance and advanced to become the Sydney managing agent with authority for British Equitable Assurance.
Military service
Locke received his commission in the Militia in 1938 and transferred to the Australian Imperial Force two years later. Rising to the rank of captain, he served with the 9th Division in the Middle East theatre and earned a mention in dispatches for his contributions during operations at Tobruk and Libya. In 1945, he was appointed lieutenant colonel in command of Z Special Unit.
Corporate career
Following World War II, Locke resumed his career in insurance and assumed executive positions across multiple Australian enterprises. He held chairmanships at Tooheys, Lendlease, International Computers (Australia), and Anthony Squires. Additionally, he served on boards including Australia Hotel Co, Peko-Wallsend, Commercial & General Acceptance, Australian Equity Corporation, Permanent Trustee Co of New South Wales, and the local Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society board.
Personal life
In 1936, Locke wed Lesley Alison Vine; together they had four children—three sons and one daughter. After Lesley’s passing in 1972, he remarried Mary Clare Luya Gregory in 1973. Locke passed away from a myocardial infarction in San Francisco, California, in 1977.
Honours
In 1968, Locke was designated an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.