Edward Robert Drury

Edward Robert Drury
Born	1832 Brussels, Belgium
Died	1896-02-03 Shorncliffe, Queensland, Australia
Occupation(s)	Banker, military officer
Years active	1853–1896
Known for	Inaugural general manager of Queensland National Bank; Commandant of Queensland Defence Force

Edward Robert Drury (1832–1896) was a distinguished figure in Queensland's banking sector. He held the pioneering role of inaugural general manager at the Queensland National Bank, a pivotal financial institution that significantly influenced Queensland's economy in the late 1800s.

Early life

Drury was born in 1832 in Brussels, Belgium. He was the son of Reverend William James Joseph Drury, who served as chaplain to the British Embassy in Brussels and also acted as tutor to Leopold II of Belgium. In 1852, Drury made the journey to Australia, marking the beginning of his future career there.

Business career

His banking profession commenced in 1853 with the Bank of Australasia, where he rose to manage its Brisbane branch by 1860. In 1872, Drury took on the role of general manager for the newly founded Queensland National Bank, maintaining this leadership position until his passing in 1896. Between 1894 and 1895, he also held the presidency of the Australian Association of Bankers.

Drury demonstrated a strong dedication to fostering Queensland’s economic prosperity. Through his stewardship at the Queensland National Bank and his personal business interests, he promoted investments across sectors such as mining, agriculture, and land development. Beyond banking, he represented Belgium as Consul and received knighthood within the Order of Leopold.

Military career

In 1854, Drury volunteered with the New South Wales Volunteer Rifles amid the Crimean War. By 1860, he had been commissioned as a captain. His marksmanship was notable; he earned a silver medal during a rifle competition held in Queensland that year under the auspices of the National Rifle Association of England. He played an instrumental role in founding the Queensland Rifle Association and progressed through military ranks: promoted to major in 1876, then Lieutenant-Colonel commanding field artillery by 1884, and ultimately reaching Colonel while serving multiple terms as Commandant of the Queensland Defence Force. His contributions to colonial defence were recognized with an appointment as Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1885.

Later life

Edward Robert Drury passed away on 3 February 1896 at his holiday residence Saltwood located in Shorncliffe. He was 63 years old and had suffered a ten-day illness prior to his death. He left behind a widow and eight children—four sons and four daughters.

The following day, on 4 February, his coffin was transported by a special train from Sandgate railway station to Brisbane’s Central railway station, where a full military guard awaited its arrival. The event attracted large crowds lining the streets, with police working to manage public order. A military procession then proceeded through the heart of Brisbane’s central business district to Toowong Cemetery. Leading this solemn march were various branches of defence forces, followed by Drury’s coffin carried on a gun carriage accompanied by his riderless war horse. The cortege was completed by mourners’ carriages and military bands.

Legacy

Drury’s holiday property, Saltwood, is officially recognized on the Queensland Heritage Register.

The family residence known as "Hawstead," originally constructed in 1876 along Brisbane River’s New Farm area on Bowen Terrace, underwent significant alteration when it was bisected and relocated in 1969 to accommodate high-rise development. Its location remained unknown until rediscovered in 2002; it was subsequently reassembled and refurbished on an expansive site at Ajinby Close, Thornlands. Despite retaining many original architectural elements, it is not eligible for Heritage listing due to its removal from its initial location.

Following Drury’s death, W. V. Ralston succeeded him as general manager in 1898.