Sir Fergus McMaster (1879-1950)
A widower in his late 30s, Fergus McMaster fought in the Great War as a gunner with the 7th Battery, 3rd Brigade, Australian Field Artillery at Amiens, Villers-Bretonneux and Hamel.
After being discharged in London, he returned to manage pastoral interests in Western Queensland and chaired the local Anti-Cattle Duffing Association when he was awakened to the possibilities of civil aviation. Paul McGinness helped to move his stranded car in the Cloncurry River, McMaster wrote, "That chance accident and meeting, that true Australian help and friendship given me, perhaps was the greatest factor in the shaping of Qantas."
A man of vision, integrity and determination, McMaster was the first Chairman of Qantas and prepared the draft prospectus to raise capital for the fledgling airline. He led the campaign to secure Government airmail contracts that enabled Qantas to survive with a measure of financial security.
With the exception of three years (1923-26) when Dr FA Hope Michod took responsibility, McMaster served as Chairman until ill health compelled him to retire in 1947. He worked closely with Hudson Fysh to guide the growth of the airline.
Fergus McMaster was knighted in 1941 for his contribution to Australian aviation and died on 8 August 1950, aged 71.