General correspondence and papers, 1914-92

Component identifier:

Series 3

Content Summary:

White did not maintain a separate filing system for his various correspondents; instead letters sent and received were often dispersed singly or in groups amongst an assortment of other papers. Consequently, files in this series are largely general in nature, with correspondence interfiled amongst other miscellaneous items such as reports, cuttings, speech notes, broadcasts and invitations and pamphlets.

Among the politicians, airforce colleagues, and British associates whose letters can be found here are Prime Ministers Joseph Lyons and Sir Robert Menzies, fellow parliamentarians H.V. Evatt, Frank Brennan, William Hutchinson and George McLeay, the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Leslie Boyce, and balletomane Arnold Haskell. A fragment of an undated letter from Pattie Deakin (White's mother-in-law) is filed in Folder 7.

Amongst the varied subjects represented are papers relating to the Expeditionary Air Force, immigration, trade, civil aviation, Empire Air Training Scheme, White's resignation from the Lyons Ministry, electoral papers, Caulfield RSL and the Bread and Cheese Club.

The series also includes a few papers added since Sir Thomas' death, such as a 1965 letter to Lady White and a 1992 letter to their daughter, Judith Harley.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were donated to the Library by White's daughters in two consignments in January 1997 and March 1998, and together constitute an impressive record of White's varied and distinguished career as a pilot, politician, diplomat and writer.

Names:

Thomas White

Contents

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