Dr. Tom Brennan’S
p. 161 · Read in the full issue
An Appreciation Of
Life And Achievements
AN appreciation of the character and achievements of Dr. Edward Thomas Brennan, former Director of Public Health in New Guinea from 1928 to 1942, who died in August, 1953, aged 67, has been printed as a pamphlet and dis
tributed among his innumerable friends. It is exceedingly well written, and will be treasured as a fitting memento of a man who lived his life fully and worthily, loved his fellow-men irrespective of colour, and gave most generously of his skill and service.
Dr. Brennan’s life was full of highlights. For his services with the AIF in World War I he re ceived several decorations. Then he served with the Australian Navy.
For two years as captain and navigator of the Lady Betty, he travelled up and down New Guinea, organising and establishing a medical service in the new Mandated Terri tory; and it was there, on the 45-ft schooner that he and his bride (the charming American woman, Ruth Todd) made their first home. After a spell at Madang, in charge of the mainland division of the medical services, he became Director, and settled in Rabaul, where he and his wife became so well known, and where their three daughters were born.
Everyone knew Tom Brennan. He was intensely interested in people and had friends in all walks of life; and, although he loved to talk and theorise, he was a man of such rapid action that he often left the bureaucrats gasping. The Brennan hospitality was famous in three continents.
He tried hard to get into World War 11, but his health was deteri orating and he was allowed to serve only “behind the lines” —in import ant posts, but ill-fitted to his wishes.