Alister Murdoch - Later Life

Later Life

Murdoch retired from the military on 31 December 1969 after completing his term as CAS, which the government had extended for an additional twelve months beyond its original three years. He was succeeded by Air Marshal Colin Hannah, whom Murdoch had earlier recommended for the position of Commander Australian Forces Vietnam (the role went to an Army officer, as had been previous practice). In 1971, Murdoch joined the board of directors of Meggitt Limited, an oilseed-crushing firm that was chaired by World War II fighter ace Nicky Barr. Murdoch continued to exercise his interest in Australia's defence after he left the Air Force, joining in 1975 a group of pundits, including retired Air Vice Marshal Ian McLachlan, who promoted the addition of nuclear weaponry to the country's arsenal. He followed a number of sports, including horse racing. A resident of Church Point, New South Wales, Sir Alister Murdoch died on 29 November 1984.