Father born on 2nd September 1881 in Victoria and Mother on 20th November, 1884 in South Australia. Father's background:- Volunteered for active service in the Boer War, South Africa, from Victoria. On discharge, and being of the adventurous disposition decided to make his fortune!! in the pearling industry and moved to Broome W.A in 1904. As far as I know fortunes fluctuated widely. Married in early 1912, had four children - Elee, 1913, Everett, 1914, Graham 1915 and Cecil, 1918. Joined the Expeditionary Force and served in the Middle East and France and was repatriated a casualty in 1917 joining the Guard Forces in Broome at the local Radio Station.
He commenced his pearly career early in the 1900's and was wrecked twice in cyclones in 1908 and 1910. I knw little of his activities in those early years. At the conclusion of hostilities resumed his pearly activities and local business agencies, including the local agent for the newly formed W.A. Airline Service, Perth - Derby with such notable aviators as Smithy, etc. His personal interests centred around conchology and was looked up to as a world renowned collector of N.W Australia varieties. Upon his demise, unfortunately this collection was "lost", appearing under different names and locations in Broome and elsewhere.
My first memories go back to two events in Broome, the landing in Roebuck Bay of Italian aviator De Pinido and the arrival of the R.A.F Sqadron of sea planes and the arrival of the McRobertson vehicles on their around Australia journey advertising their chocolates. They were reasonably generous in their handhouts.
The next few years wre reasonably uneventful except for the 1926 willy-willy, pretty severe and extensive damage done. School under James Patrick Gill was tough and the liberal use of the cane in the form of oleander branches cut from hedge leading into the school. He was forever losing them, not knowing that they were being thrown up into the ceiling of the building while he was out and also the workmen on the building extension did their bit. A vicious use of authority and a display of violent temper. As a side light to this, in 1983 at the town's centenary celebrations organised by Jean and Peter Haines, I asked the incumbent Head Master as to whether he had a step ladder so I could go up into the ceiling to see whether any of the canes were still there!!
Dispite Gillie's temper and his aversion to certain students, in fact, families he did produce some outstanding successes, notably the Milner family.
The years progressed, life became very tough indeed, with the Depression era when employment and money were just memories. Yet it did have some beneficial results and one thing I will say is that we never went hungry. Fish a plenty, sea food, crabs, cockles, oysters and game. Snipe in season, duck, plain turkey and kangaroo always kept the larder reasonably well stocked. We were all trained in the use of firarms, 410 shot gun rather ineffective, 12 gauge shot gun and the 303 rifles only under strict supervision. In fact at the age of 15 I joined the local rifle club in their Sunday shhot. Any surplus game was bartered with the Chinese fraternity for ammunition. Tough times, but we survived.
By this time other problems emerged, the possibility of leaving school and getting a job. What work? A few avenues, but will come back to that. School holidays offered the opportunity of a holiday at one of the cattle stations, one in particular, Anna Plains, roughly midway between Broome and Port Hedland , just in from the beginning of the Eighty Mile Beach. The beach was well known to my father who was dragged up on the beach almost dead after roughly eight hours in the water after being wrecked in the 1908 willy willy. Our holiday or adventure started by a lugger trip to LaGrange Bay and then a horse and cart 20 miles to Anna Plains and a magnificent homestead. I was still very young (about 10) but it was a wonderful experience.
The trip home was by horse trap to LaGrange Bay and then lugger to Broome, about 8 to 10 hours depending on winds and tide. We left about 11 am near the flood tide with a good S.W breeze so we made good progress and were well clear of LaGrange Bay but there were omninous heavy thunder heads to the north and northeast which didn't look friendly at all. On board we had a crew of three, the three bardwells and a very sick and aged Chinese. The storm arrived in all its fury at about 4pm with a wind change of 180 degrees causing the sea to rise rapidly. We, with the Chinese patient, were battened down and the crew decided in dropping the anchor. Unfortunately the ship was not very seaworthy, being in a run-down condition and the anchor chain soon broke. A second (and our last) anchor was lowered, but that snapped in no time. So what now? The ultimate decision was to "run" for it. We were only a few miles out and around that area were two small creeks which were not very well known, near Sandy Point. Navigation was a problem. The gale from the wset had abated slightly, so with a jury rig we ran for one creek where the mouth ran parallel to the coast leaving a sand bar blocking its entrance. With the ougoing tide water shallowing seas became a boiling cauldron. Being "down below" we had no idea of what was ahead. All of a sudden the bow reared and pitched forward as the keel struck the bank with a resounding thump and in a couple of minutes we had been lierally thrown over the sand bar and into relatively calm waters. That was ok but it was a very close shave from being wrecked. We had no anchors and little rope of quality. The decision was to run up the creek into the mangroves, tie up and hope for the best. It was ebb tide and neap tides were approaching, so subsequent high tides would be lower. We were beached for probably five days before the rise of the spring tides before we were refloated. So what now? One of the crew had no idea of our location. He had worked at Thangoo Station some ten miles inland and remembered that a dividing fence ran down from the Homestead to near the creek, our haven, and that a mile or so from the creek and adjoining fence was a small hut about 8ft square, so it was decided to give it a go. By this stage the light was failing, visibility was poor, rain heavy, and lightning close, etc.,etc. Anyhow, we made it, how? Someone was watching over us.
There were two aborigines "resident" and we were accommodated.
Dawn finally broke, we were safe up to a point. No food, two pieces of salt beef in a barrel, a little flour and a dry box of matches, a 12 gauge shot gun and three cartridges and a wealth of wild life on the plain about half a mile from the hut. One of the crew went out on the plain with the gun. We heard one shot and half an hour later he laboured back with a large plain turkey, food for three days. The next day it was decided that two of the crew should walk back to LaGrange, report our safety, etc. It was an arduous journey, the entire area was waterlogged, but they made it and news was sent to Broome by telegraph. So now we had about five days to wait until the tides started to rise and refloat us and recommence our journey home to Broome. A lot more could be written about this episode, but let me push on.
The trip from the Creek took about six hours but we were dogged by another thunderstorm, but we made it! In retrospect and only at the age of 10, it was a harrowing experience and details are fading.
Living in Broome was tough and school was not a pleasant place, especially under the tutelage of James Patrick Gill. Probably I was lucky with life, but was able to keep the larder well stocked and there were a few odd jobs going in the town. One delivering the local chemist's bills monthly and then the Sun Theatre offered several jobs, and I got one of them, delivering dodgers, arranging the evening's seating, open air theatre, on the door collecting the ticket. Money, five shillings a night/day and at "layup" season, fifteen shillings a week, I was made!! Finally the day came when school days were over and what to do then, the obvious job was a shell opener on one of McDaniel's pearling boats. Both Graham and Everett served their time, Everett five years and Graham two years. I was just 14 and half and the venture was not looked forward to. But it was a job, not very rewarding financially. I stuck it for 18 months, when it was suspected I had appendicitis and was subsequently operated on in the newly staffed Broome Hospital, the doctor being Ralph Cato, a competent surgeon and a fine man.
A period of recuperation followed and then out of work but luck turned my way again and a vacancy came up in the local Court House for three months as a junior office rouseabout. Quite interesting and was able to find out quite a bit about early identities in Births, Deaths and Marriages certificates. W.J. Wallwark was the resident Magistrate, a brilliant man and outstanding personality. This was an important period in my life and I realised that it was time to think of the future as little was offered in Broome.
I still maintained a stocked larder and one night I was down at the end of the jetty trying my luck, when Ellis Smellie, Officer in charge of the Broome Coastal Radio Service turned up. The fish were not hungry so tha catch was poor, but we had a good chance to talk. The outcome of the evening was that I had enrolled for a Commercial Radio Operators Course through the Marconi School od Wireless conducted by Amalgamated Wireless of Sydney, and it was a challenge. Limited education but willing to give it a go. My life-long thanks must go to Ellis Smellie who coached me in Theory and Telegraphy. Also moral assistance came from Freddy Christmas, Eric Izett and Ernie Caldwell. All were most helpful and guided me along. Shortly after enrolloing at the Marconi School of Wireless a vacancy turned up at the local power station. Chief Engineer, Harry Milner and assistant Harold Redfern. A marvellous opportunity for study and concentration. The studies were absorbing but tough for a relatively uneducated lad. I made it!! After two years of study it was time to go to Sydney to gain practical training and experience to prepare me for the Government Exams for the 2nd class Commercial Operators Certificate. Planned to get to Sydney in February 1937 and so the day finally dawned. Plan- fly down to Port Headland and a week with Everett who was then the general clerk at the Royal Flying Doctor Service, then on to Perth on the "Koolinda" to stay with the Herman family in Nedlands (relatives of mother). At this point I must mention that I had never been out of Broome and the sight of a city!! daunted me. At first I tended to "hang on to Betty's skirts" and was scared stiff. That came to an end and after nine days was on my way to Sydney in the "Duntroon", apprehensive. Had accomodation booked in Sydney at Cremorne Point, good and on arrival I found out that there was another Marconi studnet there, Harold King from Victoria who was in a similar position to me. A great help indeed, especially in the early stages of home sickness etc., and the constant financial worries. It was all good training but a difficult transition from Broome to Sydney.
Monday dawned with the sounds from Sydney Harbour and then off to School across the Harbour on a ferry. Harold was a little more acquanted with the city than I was. Met the Principal, Mr Ben Buick and the teaching staff, and then for the next six months it was head down and tail up. Tough going, but the other seven students were great people and willing to help. One of the teachers, Mr Harold Quodling, a man with amrine experience went out of his way to help and to a very large extent moulded my future career.
The workload was heavy and our first Government Exam was scheduled for the second Tuesday in June. The results were published a month later and to my disappointment I failed in Telegraphy with 67%, a pass being 70%. Did well in Theory, Practical and Regulations gaining over 80% entitling me to exemptions in those subjects for the ensuring twelve months.
But the situation was near desperate, in other words near broke and the next exams were not until September. So what to do and this is where Harold Quodling helped out, not financially, but by counselling, advice and encouragement. Sydney had a thriving trawling industry requiring radio operators of a lesser standard than the ships R.O through A.W.A's contractual arrangements.
A vacancy existed on a trawler leaving in several days time and again I got the job. The enormous salary of $6 a week, but it was tough. I never imagined that one could be so sea sick. Terrible in the extreme. To be frank, I made a bloody mess of the first trip, but the company. the Red Funnel Trawlers said they would give me another trip, which turned out to be very successful and restored my reputation. What an experience. After the pearling boats I didn't think that life at sea could be harder. Good experience for the future.
We had two days ashore for supplies etc., so took the opportunity of dropping into the school to be greeted by Mr Buick - "Mr Phillips wants to see you." He being the Marine Superintendent of A.W.A. His greetings were; "Congratulations on passing your Second Class Certificate and we can now employ you as Radio Officer on the SS Nellore sailing early December for Japan." That was 50 years ago and it still raises excitement and a thrill through my bones. The year 1937 was a tumultuous year culminating in a fairytail ending and a secure future. An interesting narrative could be expounded on this and great appreciation to those mentioned briefly who helped me over the dark spots of an early life. I will take those memories with me.
After the Asian trip, a tremendous eye opener of P.N.G., the Philippines, H.K., Shanghai and six Japanese ports. I had completed my time as a trainee and then was eligible to take a ship on my own, starting off with B.H.P. on the Whyalla Newcastle Iron ore trade which brought back memories of the opening of radio communications between Broome and Yampi Sound in early 1936> I continued on the Australian Coastal run between Adelaide and Cairns, but one very significant thing happened over those months. I only had a second class ticket, rather restrictive, so I set an objective to gain the First Class Commercial Operators Certificate, involving a fair amount of in depth studies. Not easy at sea where you were in and out of port. Unsettling to say the least. There was an opportunity to get a job on the Port Phillip Pilot Service, a job generally strenuously avoided by most Radio Officers - no fixed term of engagement, generally three weeks, but I wanted at least six weeks to concentrate on studies. The Marine Super was rather surprised at such a request and asked, off handedly and with a smile, "Who are you trying to run away from? We will arrange a transfer as soon as practicable." I had a "go" at the First Class Exams in September 1938 but was not confident. The seven weeks outside Port Phillip was good. I did a tremendous amount of work and towards the end I was getting a bit anxious as to the results of the exams, so I decided to break the rules and contacted Ellis Smellie, ex Broome, operating at Melbourne Radio VIM, and see if he could find out how I went. "I will contact you on the midnight shift." Boy, was that a long wait - 24 hours. The results were in the affirmative!! Mission accomplished by the aid of Smellie, who started me off back in Broome. Wonderful news, and two very elated people - a real fairy tale. But that was only the beginning. During the two years since the trawler days I had maintained contact with Sydney and Melbourne Schools and spent most of my shore time in the School, noticed no doubt by the top echelon in the Schools and the Marine Department. Continued my marine service for another three months on the "Goulburn" en route to Newcastle from Melbourne. I received a service telegram from the Marine Superintendent, Sydney saying "sign off Newcastle immediately, proceed to Sydney". My immediate reaction was, "What for? What have I done?" I obeyed orders!! In fear and trepidation I reported to Mr W.C.P.H Phillips Marine Super in Sydney the following day. Pleasantries only, and then was asked to sign several papers and then he said " Mr Buick, School Super would like to see you." So down I went to be greeted by "How do you like your new job? You have been appointed as Junior Instructor , Marconi School, Melbourne". No prior consultation in any way just off you go! The date 17th April, 1939, not yet 21 and a teacher in Radio School. Not bad, but I suppose a few good friends at court were a great help.
Staff at that time, H.N Quodling, Manager; E.J Glaisher, Senior Instructor, ex Marine R.O and WW1 veteran, bachelor; H. Dormer, ex R.O, very shy, most capable and bachelor, age early 30's; and several part-timers. My assigned duties, telegraphy, Marine practical under studies in Electrical Technology, general rouseabout. I soon fitted in to the general routine, both day and evening classes. The international position looked ominous, so what of the future? In the end I had no option but stay put and do as the Company directed and become as efficient aspossible. A new personal life had to be developed and through Harold Quodling "Quod" we used our weekends for bush walking in the near Dandenongs, and here the most important event of my whole life occurred. Quad, Harold Dorner and I were on a Sunday walk out from Fern Tree Gully. We met up with three young ladies and accompanied then for the rest of the afternoon. The day was cool, 16th June, and damp. The girls plan had been altered due to a fatal rail accident and inclement weather. Anyhow a very pleasant day was enjoyed by all and I came home with a phone number and the OK to ring up. That did not require any urging and a close friendship soon developed. One Margaret Kimberley, English and a high intellect, a secretary. A brother Eric, city electrical engineer, father an engineer, and a fine family. I seemed to fit in as subsequent events proved. The world situation was not any better and looked most ominous. Work load was becoming heavier, working five nights a week, so little time for socialising. Mid August came and a management directive was issued to most departments, "Stayput!" The fateful Sunday night came and on Monday morning we were under Navy direction, classified as essential services. Several months passed with a step-up in training and lowering of standard of entry and ultimate qualification to a Second Class Certificate. The R.A.A.F had indicated that we would be directed to commence the training of Radio Officer (WT.Air) at Queen Street, Melbourne and please prepare Morse equipment in advance. Briefly we were to be supplied with 50 recruits a month for a 5 months course on theory, regulation and telegraphy. Chief Morse Instructor, C.E Bardwell then almost 21 years of age! Life was tough but with the company of Margaret and good staff relations , we coped. I became somewhat detached from the Civil School except for periodic evening classes, but the entire staff worked as a cohesive team. We had a job to do. 1940-41 were tough nationally and a 52-54 hour went quickly, and our War effort was well rewarded with outstanding results in the Civil and Military sphere.
R.A.A.F training appeared to be coming to an end and with the establishment of an Empire Air Training School to be set up in Canada. Civil training for R.O's and Broadcasting was still in demand so my duties gradually moved back into that area.
But 1942 had other demands!! To the extent that on 2nd May,1942 Margaret Kimberly and I were married. Not a fair tale statement but we lived happily ever after. My future in the company I could see would be greatly enhanced by her presence.
Our Services training extended to the Army in Sydney under the overall management of J.H Hawkins. Joe was tough but fair.
Melbourne School moved away from the services, putting our full effort to Radio Officers and allied areas, including the Victorian Police who were required to have Certificated Personnel operating their radio network. Again a demanding assignment - we succeeded.
By this time I had risen to the position of Deputy Head Master, John Glaisher Head Master and Joe Hawkins, overall Manager, Sydney and Melbourne. The years 44 and 45 remained busy, but with the outlook of the war being certain, we were asked by the Government as to whether we would be interested in Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Training of ex Servicemen to fit civil requirements. The answer was "yes" so from a small beginning by 1946 we had built up a well organised training scheme for Beam Radio Services (still under AWA), Department of Civil Aviation Air Services and our usual Main Stream Services Courses. It was obvious that we would be occupied for two to three years in these new fields.
New personal responsibilities emerged on the scene, "planned" our first child, Sandra Margaret Bardwell, 3/11/1943, ultimately becoming Dr. Sandra Margret Bardwell, P.Hd. and Derek John, 1/11/1946, becoming B.Sc. Chem. Engineering, Honors II, and Margaret, housewife and mother No1. Other changes occurred around 1947, staff movements occurred, Glaiher accepting the position of Senior Instructor, Sydney, leaving a vacancy in Melbourne and one C.E Bardwell was duly appointed. I then became directly responsible to J.H Hawkins, Manager overall, Sydney, a tough but fair Boss. So for me, having gone through all the levels in the School to senior, Melbourne, there was only one more step to go, as Manager Sydney and that soon came.
Hawkins was moved to A.W.A Telcon, A.W.A's cable manufacturing set up in Sydney.
In Early November 1948 Margaret and I and the two children spent two weeks down at Point Lonsdale, our first family holiday and after years of toil and heavy going, a wonderful break. But the day before going to Point Lonsdale I was summoned to proceed to Sydney on my return, object being to seek the approval of Mr Lionel Hooke (later Sir Lionel) for the appointment early in 1949 as Manager, Marconi School of Wireless!! The only other contender was E.J Glaisher, John, old enough to be my father, did not take it very well but that is history and now I have my final challenge ahead of me. All started from an evening's fishing off Broome jetty with Ellis Smellie who incidentally congratulated me on my promotion! So did my wife and in-laws! The position of Manager, Marconi School of Wireless! Phew!!
The position of Manager, Marconi School of Wireless had standing, being the second oldest department in the company which was formed on 8/8/1913. Finally I was, and still hold the honour of being the youngest executive officer appointed in the company at the ripe old age of 40 and one half years. Practically all the executive officers and managers were men in their late fifties with Marine background. In fact, our Chief, the much respected man, Lionel Alfred Hooke, Sir Lionel, who incidentally joined the Marconi School in its second course in 1914, and became thecommunications officer in the Scott & Mawson expedition to the Antartic. For that reason we both had something in common - ex Marconi Graduates!!
Was appointment was from 1st January, 1949, arriving in Sydney on 5/1/49 and stayed at Cremorne Point at a guest house and who should be there but John Glaisher and a very helpful acquaintance at that time. The family stayed in Melbourne till June before I could obtain suitable accommodation - a long five and half months indeed, but it all turned out to be good in the end.
The responsibilities of the job seemed awesome indeed so I adopted the attitude of go quietly and seek advice when in doubt and my Chief Executive Officer J.F Wilson, tough, but he had a job to do. We got on well together, all important. The future began to unfold as to what we were in for, but accepted the cahallenge and so the years progressed. With the changing attitude nationally, we became a centre for sponsored training for overseas students in "Radio" for Goverment Services, notably the Fijian Broadcasting Commission and Tongan Government Communications Commission and Papua-New Guinea Radio Authority. The numbers were not large by any means, but the importance of the choice of the Marconi School as the centre of training could not be over estimated. Again, I had a wonderfully loyal and sincere staff with Harold Gray as Chief Instructor, instructors Dudley Masters, John Eggleton and Victor Bennett- all experienced men and dedicated teachers, and a host of part-time instructors from many sections of our parent company.
On the local scene we still had our broadcasting and shipping services to cater for. We also had a large Asian enrolment from Hong Kong and Malaya. We handled this satisfactorily. Government sponsored training, again with the NSW Police Force providing a major challenge. Twentythree in one class, from Sergeants to Constables, on a twelve month intensive course. Our success rate was 20 out of 23 at their first attempt for a second class certicate. Two more in three months and the third in six months. Men who became the core of the Ploice Radio Centre at Redfern. A wonderful experience indeed, but as Manager I could only laud and praise their efforts and their respect shown to me.
But the years were creeping on and a thing called Television was talked about and finally a national programme was announced with services in Sydney and Melboune to be established in late 1956 with a directive, in person, from Sir Lionel Hooke,"Get going as soon as possible, and use the company's resources as much as possible. Liase with all relative Departments and get what you need to do the job." "Yes Sir", and so the final chapter of the Marconi School began. At our peak we had the Head Office in Sydney, branches in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart, a peak enrolment of all training of 1100, a mammoth undertaking but a tremendously dedicated staff who trained hundreds of technicians for the television industry. Towards the end the Commonwealth Government introduced their Reconstruction Training Scheme to retrain the requisite staff in Television Servicing and who wsa asked to do it?, the Marconi School, who by this time had developed a training scheme of a very high standard. We stood in for the Tech Colleges until they marshalled their resources and could cope. It all came to an end in the mid 60's and by that time the industry was adequately staffed.
So at this stage, what else could there be? We knew that ultimately Colour TV would follow, but after the extensive experience with Mono we took it in our stride and those requiring conversion were still fresh so we dealt with that very satisfactorily.
So again, life might have become easier, until one day I was invited to attend a luncheon with the Chief Signals Officer at Victoria Barracks. National Training was a very controversial hot potato then and their request was for us to set up a School to train signallers in Sydney. It was on again and the request was met and we set up a School at East Hills relatively close to Ingleburn, a major Army camp in Sydney.
Had a top rate man in Major (retired) Norman Hannaford as Chief and again a good conscientious staff. Numbers were not large, but those selected said, "Our marble came out so let's get stuck into it, forget the politics and do your best".
They were a wonderful bunch of chaps and I as Manager of a Civil School was afforded the utmost respect by officers and men. A job well done by all and a satisfying end to a long career.
In the meantime the Commonwealth Government decided to set up a National Nautical College in Launceston. I was pressed very hard to seek the Principal's position, but after forty years in the industry, 42 in schooling, I had had enough and decided to take an early retirement, 17th July 1981 - "Goodbye, Mr Chips". The Marconi School ceased to operate. (I am still going in 1997 - slowed down a bit!)
Just a Final Story:
In 1988 on a trip to the U.K. Mum and I went to the outer Hebides, sailing from Ullapool, West Coast of Scotland, a four hour journey in very rough weather, observed protocol and was taken up to the Radio Room by the Purser to meet the Radio Officer. A knock at the door and a loud voice said "Come in". The R/O just stared at me for a moment - he put out his hand and said, "I'll be buggered, you trained me in 1939." He was on his second last trip before retiring!!
As a footnote to this lengthy epistle one may ask the question - What do you do in your spare time? Taught!!
In the Radio World there is a body called the Wireless Institute of Australia, the representative body of the amateur operators, licensed to privately operate their own radio stations, generally called "Hams".
The N.S.W Division operating from Sydney had for many years run courses to fit interested people to pass the Commonwealth Government exams for their Amateur Operators Certificate.
From time to time they had difficulty in staffing such a scheme and 1958 was no exception. In a moment of sheer desperation the encumbent president, Bill Lewis VK2YB rang me to see if I knew anyone who would be prepared to run a class on a part-time basis, two evenings a week. The answer was "yes", so Cecil Bardwell VK2IR began a 20 year association for which I was awarded Life Membership of the Institute. The courses ran over 10 months and covered Theory, Morse Operating and Regulations. Classes averaged about 20, coming from all walks of life and retrospect, it was a physical strain but a contribution to society.
I finally retired from the W.I.A in November, 1979 - I had had enough!!
Cecil E. Bardwell
(Nick-name in Broome, "Bonesy")
31-1-1997
FORWARD
Photograph, Bardwell, Gray and Glaisher
Return to Homepage"