Ian Upjohn

Ian Upjohn, an Australian barrister and Army Officer, and recipient of the Conspicuous Service Cross.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Ian Upjohn is the son of a prominent Melbourne surgeon and grandson of Sir William George Dismore Upjohn, surgeon and Chancellor of Melbourne University. Educated at the Scotch College, Upjohn then studied law and arts at Melbourne University where he impressed his peers with his keen intelligence and tireless energy. As a university student Upjohn joined the Melbourne University Regiment, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal before undertaking the Herring Course for first appointment as a commissioned officer. Upjohn graduated as a Second Lieutenant into the Australian Army Reserve in January 1988 and was posted to the 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse.

In civilian life, Upjohn graduated from Melbourne University with Honours degrees in Law and Arts, as well as a Master of Arts. Since the early 1990s he has pursued a career at the Victorian Bar after being articled at the firm Blake Dawson Waldron in Melbourne. He subsequently studied in London and was awarded a Master of Laws from the University of London.

In 2007 Upjohn was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for his outstanding performance as Commanding Officer of the 4th/19th Prince of Wales's Light Horse.

He has subsequently been appointed to command Australian soldiers in the Solomon Islands, a highly coveted position.

Upjohn was embroiled in controversy in 2006 when he unsucessfully contested a $105.00 parking ticket in court, incurring over $3000.00 in legal fees in the process. [1]