Robert Gordon Menzies was the longest serving Prime Minister of Australia. He held the office twice; from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966. In total, he was Prime Minister for more than 18 years, with his second term of 16 years being the longest uninterrupted tenure ever. Born in an ordinary family, he grew up to be an accomplished lawyer. In 1928, he entered the Victorian parliament and within six years, won a seat in the federal parliament, serving as the Attorney-General and Minister for Industry under Joseph Lyons. He was Prime Minister when World War II began and within two years, his party was forced to resign. He then created the Liberal Party and became Leader of the Opposition in 1946. In 1949, he defeated Chifley’s Labour Party and became Australia’s Prime Minister for the second time. The Liberal–Country Party Coalition government continued in power for the next 22 years. During this period, Australia’s defence agreement was upgraded with the United States, forces were sent to help US troops in Korea and agreements like ANZUS and SEATO were signed. He received Knighthood in 1963, and was appointed Constable of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1965.