Ralph Abercrombie (1881-1957), public servant, was born on 19 July 1881 at Mount Duneed, Victoria, ninth child of Andrew Thomson Abercrombie and English born Mary Anna (nee Kenshole). His father was the head master of the local school from about 1868 until the state school began in 1878 when he became headmaster of it moving from Mount Duneed in 1882. On 2 September 1896, Ralph became a pupil-teacher at South Melbourne State School. Ralph joined the Department of the Treasurer in July 1901. In 1902 Ralph won the 100 yards sprint championships of Victoria. On 1 August 1911 he was appointed a receiver of public moneys and paying officer in the Navy Office of the Commonwealth Department of Defence. He was appointed Auditor-General as from 1 September 1938. He continued in this role until 1946. On 3 June 1935 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his service as Director of Navy Accounts. He was unmarried and died on 3 May 1957. |