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AUSTRALIAN GUNNER
OBITUARY RESOURCE
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Brigadier John Walter Main, CBE, ED
(30 May 1900 – 26 September 1971) |
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First Published in Gunfire
Vol 1 Number 12, December 1971
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Printed Version |
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The death occurred on Sunday, 26th September, 1971 of Brigadier John W. Main, CBE, ED, aged 71.
His Army career commenced in 1927 in South Australia. He was later transferred in his civilian occupation to Melbourne and eventually to Newcastle where he took command of the 39th Fortress Company RAE (M) in 1937. Shortly before the outbreak of World War II he formed 51 AA Searchlight Company RAE and commanded both units until his transfer to the 2nd AIF in mid 1940. During this time he administered command of Newcastle Fixed Defences for a brief period.
Following distinguished service as a Field Engineer in the Middle East and Greece campaign, John was promoted Brigadier and appointed Chief Engineer, New Guinea Force and it was for his services in this posting that he was made a Commander of the British Empire.
In the post-war era, he commanded the 2nd Infantry Battalion, the City of Newcastle Regiment and later, the 14th Infantry Brigade upon its formation. John was a member of the Newcastle Branch of the RAA Association almost from its inception and was a keen supporter of its activities.
Apart from his Army career, he was interested in many aspects of Newcastle life including serving for a term as President of Newcastle Legacy. |
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