Edward Costello (politician)

Costello was born in Thane's Creek near Warwick, Queensland, to parents James Costello, and his wife Elizabeth Mary (née Ham) and educated at Thane State School. He followed in his father's footsteps in becoming a grazier but soon after the outbreak of World War One he joined the military and was the commanding Officer of the 25th Battalion in the Australian Military Forces and a major of the 11th Light Horse Regiment.[1]

Lieutenant Edward Costello in 1915

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for bravery during the charge of Semakh, on the Sea of Galilee on the 25 September 1918. This action was claimed to be the only charge ever made by the British Cavalry before daylight. In 1919 he was the Chairman of the Military Courts for the Egyptian Rebellion. In 1924 his family purchased Seagoe, a Grazing property at Thane.[1] the Costello family took up mining grazing leases at Thanes Creek in 1881.

In 1920, Costello, as a Country Party candidate, won the seat of Carnarvon in the Queensland Legislative Assembly. In 1925 the party merged into the Country and Progressive National Party and Costello held Carnarvon until his defeat in 1935.[1]

In 1924, Costello married Ruth Evelyn Harn (died 1969)[2] and together had two sons and two daughters.[1] He was a stalwart of the RSL Warwick Subbranch and a former patron of the Spurs and Feathers Club.[1]

Costello died at Warwick in 1967 after suffering a long illness.[1]