Michael Mather
| First name | Michael |
|---|---|
| Last name | Mather |
| Country of Origin | England |
| Date of Birth | 29th July 1905 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1915 |
| Submitted by | Timothy Mather |
Story
[Reason for leaving homeland]
To join father (John Cyril Mather) recently appointed Canon of Newcastle Cathedral
[About the Journey]
Michael (10) accompanied his brother John(12) under the benevolent eye of his spinster aunt Winifred as they sailed from England to escape the First World War. Both boys were very active and gave their aunt a torrid time attempting to control their exuberence.
[Impressions on Arrival]
Not being an academic Michael did not settle well into school and at the age of 15 ran away to sea joining a merchant ship trading with South America. The captain taught him much about ropes and sailing but worked him so hard he never took up sailing as a profession. He imparted his knowledge of knots to his children so the enterprise was not a complete failure. Subsequently he learnt to fly and was one of the early aviators who helped open up outback Australia between Darwin and Adelaide and later worked with Qantas before the 2nd World War where he rose to the rank of Squadron Leader and earned an AFC for his exploits servicing the Coastwatchers.