Bill Boswell

Robert William McGregor "Bill" Boswell OBE (30 September 1911 – 17 February 1976) was a senior Australian public servant. He was best known for his time as Secretary of the Department of National Development.

Bill Boswell OBE
Secretary of the Department of National Development
In office 1965–1969
Personal details
Born	Robert William McGregor Boswell (1911-09-30)30 September 1911 Carlton, Melbourne
Died	17 February 1976(1976-02-17) (aged 64) Lucas Heights, Sydney
Nationality	Australian
Alma mater	University of Melbourne
Occupation	Public servant

Life and career

Bill Boswell was born on 30 September 1911 in Carlton, Melbourne.[1]

From 1958, Boswell was Director of the Weapons Research Establishment at Salisbury in South Australia.[2]

Between 1965 and 1969, Boswell was the Secretary of the Department of National Development.[3]

Boswell died in Lucas Heights, Sydney on 17 February 1976.[1]

Awards

While a research scholar at University of Melbourne, Boswell worked in a team of four using radio direction-finding to trace the movement of thunderstorms associated with cold fronts crossing the southern part of Australia, and for his work was awarded a Fred Knight scholarship.[1]

Boswell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in May 1956 for his role in guided weapons development.[4]

References

1. Lawrence, T.F.C., "Boswell, Robert William McGregor (1911–1976)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian National University, archived from the original on 27 September 2014
2. "The man who made it all possible". The Canberra Times. 1 February 1965. p. 2.
3. CA 56: Department of National Development [I], Central Office, National Archives of Australia, retrieved 27 September 2014
4. "Search Australian Honours: BOSWELL, Robert William McGregor", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 27 September 2014

Government offices
Preceded by Harold Raggatt	Secretary of the Department of National Development 1965 – 1969	Succeeded by Lloyd Bott