Selwyn Porter
Selwyn Havelock Watson Craig Porter | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Tintaldra, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | October 9, 1963 (aged 58) |
| Occupation(s) | Australian Army officer, Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police |
| Years active | 1924–1963 |
| Known for | Commanding officer in the Australian Army during World War II; Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police |
Major General Selwyn Havelock Watson Craig Porter, (23 February 1905 – 9 October 1963) served as an officer in the Australian Army and later as Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police.
Early life
Porter was born in Tintaldra, Victoria, and received his education at Wangaratta High School. Following his schooling, he worked as a clerk at the State Savings Bank of Victoria.
Military career
Porter's military journey commenced in 1924 when he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Citizens Military Force within the 58th Battalion. He attained the rank of major by 1936. At the start of the Second World War, he enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force, serving as second-in-command of the 2/5th Battalion. While deployed in the Middle East, he briefly assumed command of the 2/6th Battalion during operations beyond Derna, an action for which he was Mentioned in Despatches. Elevated to lieutenant colonel, Porter commanded the 2/31st Battalion throughout the Syria-Lebanon Campaign, earning the Distinguished Service Order before sustaining injuries.
After returning to Australia, he was temporarily promoted to brigadier and took charge of the 30th Brigade stationed at Port Moresby during Japan's entry into the conflict. He led this brigade during the Japanese assault at Buna and held temporary command of Maroubra Force along the Kokoda Track prior to transferring leadership. Subsequently, he directed operations near Sanananda.
In November 1943, Porter assumed leadership of the 24th Brigade, guiding them through the Huon Peninsula campaign at Finschhafen. Early in 1945, he contributed to planning efforts on the staff of the 9th Division before commanding his brigade during the North Borneo invasion.
Following the war, Porter briefly resumed civilian life before receiving appointment as Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1947. With the reactivation of the Citizens Military Force in 1948, he commanded the 6th Brigade and was later elevated to major general overseeing the 3rd Division. Between 1953 and 1954, he represented the CMF on the Military Board.
Later life
In 1955, Porter was named chief commissioner of Victoria Police, a position he held until his passing on 9 October 1963 due to a coronary occlusion.