| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | PR90/147 |
| Collection type | Private Record |
| Record type | Collection |
| Measurement | 2 wallets: 3cm |
| Object type | Copy, Papers |
| Maker |
Brewster, Basil Theodore |
| Date made | 1911-1944 |
| Access | Open |
| Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM371 90/1227 |
| Conflict |
Period 1930-1939 Second World War, 1939-1945 Period 1920-1929 First World War, 1914-1918 |
Brewster, Basil (Lieutenant, RN, Lt-Commander RAN b.1896 - d.1981)
Description
Collection relating to the military service of Commander Basil Theodore Brewster DSC, Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, written 1981.
The collection consists of an unbound typescript memoir has been divided into two parts. The first half of the memoir describes his early life, including apprenticing on ships of the Abderdeen White Star Line, joining the Royal Navy in 1914 and service in the First World War (1914-1918), North Russia Intervention (1919), and Grego-Turkish War (1919-1920). Brewster ended his military service as a Lieutenant and was then placed on the Emergency List.
The second half of the memoir describes Brewster's civilian life in the interwar period, including his attempt at establishing himself in India and following emigration to Australia. His account describes interwar Australia in detail, including 'bush-whacking' work in regional areas, 'jackerooing', and attempting to establish a smallholding. He then trains as a bookmaker and begins a career in business. His military service was reactivated in 1939, whereupon he was loaned to the Royal Australian Navy. He served in the Royal Australian Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, 1939-1944, including aboard HMAS 'Manoora'. He was discharged to the Retired List with the rank of Commander in 1945. The memoir concludes with a summary of his postwar life.