Charles Davidson

Sir Charles William Davidson KBE (14 September 1897 – 29 November 1985) was an Australian politician. He attended Townsville Grammar School in 1912 and 1913. He served in World War I and on his return was a dairy farmer and later grew sugar cane. During World War II, he served in the 42nd Battalion of the Australian Army in New Guinea, rising to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was twice mentioned in despatches and was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Military) in March 1945.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

Political career

He won the seat of Capricornia from Frank Forde at the 1946 election, representing the House of Representatives seat of Capricornia for the Liberal Party. At the 1949 election, he switched to the Country Party when he was elected the member of the new seat of Dawson. He was Postmaster-General from 1956 to 1963 and Minister for the Navy from 1956 to 1958. In 1958 he was elected deputy leader of the Country Party succeeding John McEwen who had become leader.

He retired at the 1963 election.^[1][2][5]

Davidson was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in June 1964.^[4] He died in 1985 and was survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.^[2]

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