Francis de Groot

Francis Edward de Groot (24 October 1888 – 1 April 1969) was an Irish-Australian soldier and furniture maker. He is best known for dramatically interrupting the official opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932, attempting to slash the ribbon with a military sword while on horseback.

De Groot was born in Dublin into a family of artisans. He left school at a young age and joined the Merchant Navy, later serving an apprenticeship with his uncle, an antiques dealer. He first lived in Australia from 1910 to 1914, working for Angus & Robertson as an antiques buyer. De Groot returned to Ireland in 1914 and enlisted in the British Army, having previously served with reserve units. He saw active service on the Western Front and finished the war with the rank of captain. In 1920, de Groot returned to Australia and established his own furniture-making business in Sydney, producing replicas of 18th-century furniture styles in Australian timber. He serviced a number of commercial clients and high-profile individuals from a workshop in Rushcutters Bay.

De Groot was a fascist and joined the paramilitary New Guard in 1931, taking part in clashes with left-wing groups. His disruption of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was designed to embarrass state premier Jack Lang, a particular target of the New Guard. He was arrested on the spot and charged with minor offences, receiving a small fine; he later successfully sued the police for wrongful arrest. Photographs and films of De Groot's actions were widely published and made him a significant public figure, although he played little further role in the New Guard. He continued his work as a furniture manufacturer and during World War II served with the Australian military, eventually retiring back to Ireland. Provided by Wikipedia