Summary |
MS 9148 comprises papers documenting most aspects of Thomas White's distinguished career, including material relating to the Australian Flying Corps, 1919-1940; 6th Battalion (Royal Melbourne Regiment), 1912-1931; Member for Balaclava, 1924-1953; Minister for Trade and Customs, 1933-1938; RAAF and RAF service, 1919-1956; Minister for Air and Civil Aviation, 1949-1951; Australian High Commissioner in London, 1951-1956; writings, 1928-1956; Australian Aero Club and civil aviation, 1920-1988; Melbourne Legacy Club, 1924-1957; Royal Flying Doctor Service, 1927-1983; British Empire Service League, 1953-1957; and, Royal Empire Society, 1938-1958. The collection includes diaries, photographs, reports, broadcasts, speeches, cutting books, official correspondence, letters from family and friends, together with ephemeral items such as brochures, invitations and programs (36 boxes, 1 carton, 2 fol. boxes).
The Acc00.185 instalment comprises diaries, correspondence, photographs, cuttings, files on White's military career and writings, mementoes, souvenirs and early school records (8 boxes).
The Acc04.050 instalment comprises letters, cuttings, a cutting book, certificates, photographs and a manuscript of Guests of the unspeakable (5 boxes).
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Biography/History |
Pilot, politician, diplomat and writer. Thomas Walter White served as Minister for Trade and Customs in the Lyons Cabinet, 1933-1938, and as Minister for Air and Civil Aviation in the Menzies Government, 1949-1951. He married Vera Deakin (youngest daughter of Alfred Deakin) in 1922, published the best-selling Guests of the unspeakable in 1928, and was Australian High Commissioner in London between 1951 and 1956.
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