Harold Edward Holt

Date of Birth: August 5, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: December 17, 1967

Biography

Harold Edward Holt was an Australian politician who served as the 17th Prime Minister of Australia from January 1966 until his presumed drowning death in December 1967. Born in Sydney, New South Wales, and educated at Wesley College and the University of Melbourne, Holt entered politics at a young age. He was elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1935, representing the United Australia Party, which later became the Liberal Party of Australia. Throughout his career, Holt held several significant ministerial positions, including Minister for Immigration and Minister for Labour and National Service, where he was instrumental in shaping Australia’s post-war immigration policy. Holt’s tenure as Prime Minister is noted for his strong support of the United States and the Vietnam War, symbolized by his famous phrase “All the way with LBJ.” His leadership was marked by economic prosperity and significant reforms to social security and education. However, his time in office was cut short when he disappeared while swimming at Cheviot Beach near Portsea, Victoria, on December 17, 1967. Despite extensive search efforts, his body was never recovered, leading to numerous conspiracy theories about his disappearance.

5 Interesting Facts about Harold Edward Holt

1. Holt was the first Australian Prime Minister to be born in the 20th century.

2. He was a keen sportsman and enjoyed swimming, which ultimately led to his mysterious disappearance.

3. Harold Holt’s disappearance led to the establishment of the Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre in Melbourne.

4. He was the first Australian Prime Minister to visit the United States while in office.

5. Holt’s disappearance is one of Australia’s most enduring mysteries, and several conspiracy theories have emerged over the years, including speculation of defection to China or abduction by a submarine.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harold Edward Holt

1. “All the way with LBJ.”

2. “We are not a nation that is prepared to live on its knees.”

3. “I am proud to be an Australian, and I am proud of the Australian people.”

4. “We have taken steps to ensure that Australia develops its resources to the fullest extent.”

5. “The strength of a nation is in its people and its economy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Harold Holt’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a public servant and politician, his wealth would have been modest compared to private sector magnates.

Children

Harold Holt had three children with his wife, Zara Holt. They were Nicholas Holt, Sam Holt, and Andrew Holt. Zara also had three children from a previous marriage, making a blended family of six children in total.