Commando News Magazine edition 8 2021

David commenced his secondary education at
Box Hill Grammar School (now
Kingswood College), but left
school early and worked full time as an
insurance clerk, continuing his
secondary education at night school.
David joined 2 Commando Company
soon after he turned 18. When he
qualified and gained entry to the
University of Melbourne he transferred
to the Melbourne University Regiment.
He returned to 2 Cdo Coy briefly in
the mid-1960s as a junior officer and
completed a number of courses with
legendary unit members such as Adrian
Cookson, Rob Meates, ‘Yorky’ Joyce and
Dick Kluzniak before transferring back to
MUR in 1967.
The Victorian Bar magazine wrote,
“After David graduated from university
with a degree in Law he did his articles
with the firm Lander and Rogers and
came to the Bar in 1971. Soon after, he
established a busy practice in Workers
Compensation and then Common Law.”
“David was seen as a larger than life
personality with a great sense of fun, but
also a thorough and skilful advocate with
a keen tactical sense. He served on the
Human Rights committee of the Bar, and also the
Equality before the Law committee.”
“Extraordinarily generous with his time and talents,
David undertook much pro bono work, including
difficult work for war crime victims of the Bosnian War
of the 1990s.”
Former CMF soldier and later ARA Warrant Officer
instructor at 2 Cdo Coy , David Waterston, had also
been a Training WO at MUR and knew David Munro.
David W said, “Lt Col David Munro (Retd) was the
silk that got Ross Goddard (2 Cdo Coy) his
compensation claim after Ross broke his leg
parachuting on Exercise Long Vigil in the Northern
Territory. I was at MUR as the Training WO when I
received a call from David to help support Ross’s case,
as he was in danger of losing it. I raced down to the
court in uniform (which is not allowed) with the training
manual under my arm. I was called straight into the
witness chair. Boy - was I pulled apart by the
Government female ‘silk’. After I quoted from the
manual, the judge requested a copy of the relevant
COMMANDO VALE
VALE – LT COL DAVID BRUCE MUNRO RFD
2 Commando Company
Melbourne University Regiment
10th October 1943 – 8th June 2021
David was proud of his Commando
service and wore his green beret to
formal military occasions.
section. After some reflection, David won the case - the
judge ruled in Ross’s favour”.
In the MURA magazine Alan
Sandbach wrote, “Alongside his busy
legal and family life David served in
numerous Army Reserve postings. He
contributed enthusiastically to the life
and work of the University Regiment in
many and varied ways over many years,
including as commander of the Deakin
University Company, until compulsory
retirement from the Army. He attained
the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and was
awarded the Reserve Forces Decoration
for his long and efficient service to the
Army”.
“Following his retirement in 2008
David developed his artistic skills. In
April 2019 the Essoign Club mounted a
memorable exhibition of his paintings of
Gallipoli.”
His family wrote, “David lived a
unique and adventurous life”.
“He was the loved and loving
husband of Helen; beautiful Dad to
Jane, Duncan and Cam and father-inlaw
to Will, Pinky and Kate; and adored
Grandpa to Ellie, Aidan, Chiara, Lachie
and Ben.”
All Association members offer their sincere
sympathy to David’s family.
Compiled with the generous support of Jack
Dance, David Madison and Alan Sandbach of the MUR
Association. Thanks also to the Victorian Bar magazine,
Bar Roll No 975, and ACA Vic member David
Waterston.
Photos courtesy of Jack Dance and the MUR
Association.
30 COMMANDO ~ The Magazine of the Australian Commando Association ~ Edition 8 I 2021