Harbour Bridge Opening

De Groot dragged from his horse 1932

Unconventional Dismount

A crowd of 300,000 waited for Premier Jack Lang to open the Sydney Harbour Bridge at 10 am on Saturday, 19 March 1932. However, Francis de Groot bolted up on a borrowed former racehorse and slashed the ribbon with his sword, declaring the Bridge open.

De Groot was pulled from his horse by W. J. Mackay, Chief of the CIB, and promptly transported to the Reception House for the insane.

Francis de Groot was a leading member of the New Guard, a right-wing militia group disenchanted with the Premier’s decision to open the Bridge himself, instead of the Governor. Lang’s socialist views were opposed by New Guard members, who were mostly returned servicemen from World War I. The Great Depression sharpened the conflict between conservatives and the left.

Francis Edward de Groot was found guilty of offensive behaviour in a public place and fined £5 with £4 costs. However, de Groot wanted to further embarrass Lang, so he then sued for false arrest and was awarded £68, making a £59 profit on the whole affair.
Display item Harbour Bridge Opening

 

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