Historical information

A framed photo of the first president of Melbourne Legacy, Legatee Harold Cohen.
Harold Edward Cohen (1881-1946), soldier, lawyer, politician and businessman, was born on 25 November 1881. In 1901 Cohen was commissioned in the Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Military Forces, and was promoted captain in 1905 and major in 1909. In 1915 he was appointed commanding officer of the 6th Army Brigade, Australian Field Artillery Regiment, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, serving in the Middle East, England and France until June 1919. Twice wounded and twice mentioned in dispatches, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1917 and created C.M.G. in 1918. He was awarded the Volunteer Decoration in 1921 and the CBE in 1934.
In 1929 Brigadier Cohen entered Parliament as the member for Melbourne South in the Legislative Council, and in 1935 transferred to the Assembly as member for Caulfield, which seat he held until 1943.
During the Second World War Brigadier Cohen served in the Middle East as honorary Red Cross Commissioner overseas. Returning to Australia in 1942 he was appointed director of amenities, and subsequently Deputy Adjutant-General to the AMF, which post he held until his retirement in 1944.

Significance

A record of the past presidents being honoured in a prominent position at Legacy House.

Physical description

Black and white photograph in a wooden frame of Legatee Harold Cohen.

Inscriptions & markings

Plaque on the frame is engraved 'Legatee Harold Cohen First President, Melbourne Legacy 1923-24'.