William Thomas Robertson

Who is William Thomas Robertson?

William Thomas Robertson, CBE, MC was an Australian soldier who had a distinguished war service record. He was involved in the operation of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service for 25 years until he was dismissed by Gough Whitlam on 21 October 1975.

When he was a captain in the Australian Army, Robertson was wounded during the capture of Tobruk from Italian forces. After this incident, Captain Robertson was posted in Greece to fight against German forces. Later in New Guinea, by now promoted to a senior liaison officer, Lieut-Colonel Robertson was ordered to inspect the USA perimeter at Buna. Robertson was unsatisfied with what he saw, and reported his observations to General Herring, and General Sutherland who was also present at the time. Consequently, Douglas MacArthur made changes to the US Army command at Buna.

In August 1943, Robertson was again promoted, this time to the position of General Staff Officer, Grade 1 to Vasey, and Commanding Officer of the 7th AIF Division. During the Lae campaign, Vasey sent Robertson to Port Moresby to seek better relations with the US Army, and his manner was said to have surprised both the USAAF's General Kenney and General Berryman.