Agent TypePersonGenderMaleHistoryDuncan Elphinstone McBryde Leary (1918-2009) was born in Sandringham, Victoria, to a prominent Melbourne family. His father, Thomas Garnet Stirling Leary (1879-1954) was a well-known physician, and his maternal grandfather, Duncan Elphinston McBryde (1853¬-1920), businessman and politician, was one of the founders of BHP. Sent to board at Geelong Grammar School from the age of 13, Duncan left school early and achieved his Leaving Certificate in German and Italian at Commercial College in Melbourne; however, preparations for war interrupted his studies. During World War II Duncan served first with the 5th Battalion (Victorian Scottish Regiment), and then with the RAAF. Rejected for aircrew due to poor eyesight, he joined the ground staff and was stationed in northern Queensland for much of the War, continuing with his studies through the RAAF educational service. After the War he commenced studying at the University of Melbourne, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in languages, in 1955. After completing his degree, Duncan left Melbourne to live in Europe, where he met his life partner, Ernest Lanz, a chef, in Geneva. In the 1960s, Duncan and Ernest returned permanently to Melbourne, where Ernest established the Little Swiss Café, one of the first Continental restaurants in the city. A man of tremendous erudition and gifted linguist, Duncan spoke five languages in addition to English, and was fluent in Russian. Duncan maintained a strong association with the University for the rest of his life, studying many subjects through Melbourne’s continuing education program, including a number in the fields of Aboriginal history and culture.
