Meet our Alumni

Stanley Bruce was Prime Minister of Australia and the longest serving High Commissioner in London. After studying law at the University of Cambridge, where he also attained a rowing Blue, Bruce was called to the Bar in London.

During the First World War he served with the British Army in Gallipoli, where he was twice wounded. He received the Military Cross for gallantry and later the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme.

Invalided to England, Bruce then returned to Australia in 1917 to manage his family’s importation business. The following year he was elected to the House of Representatives. He became Treasurer in Billy Hughes’ Government and was Australia’s representative at the League of Nations, where he repudiated war and championed the beleaguered organisation, stating: “If the League of Nations goes, the hope of mankind goes also”.

After the 1922 election a coalition of parties formed Government and Bruce, then just 39 years of age, became Prime Minister in 1923. As Prime Minister he embarked upon a program of national development. He also sought to manage Imperial trade in Australia’s interests and to increase Australia’s influence upon British foreign policy.

Bruce’s Government fell in the 1929 election and he lost his own seat. He was re-elected to Parliament in 1931, but two years later resigned to become High Commissioner in London, a post he held for 12 years.

During the Second World War Bruce was Australian representative on the Imperial War Cabinet and on the Pacific War Council. After the war he was Chairman of the United Nations World Food Council. He also served as Chairman of the British Finance Corporation for Industry and was a Director of several companies.

Bruce received the Order of the Companion of Honour in recognition of his service as Prime Minister and in 1947 became Viscount Bruce of Melbourne.