People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

Browse People:

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

George William Deverall (1892–1977)

This article was published:

George William Deverall (1892- 1977) fitter and trade union official

Birth: 1892 at Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, son of William Turnbull Deverall (1870-1942), a painter, born in Durham, England, and native-born Elizabeth Caroline, née Curwood (1872-1941). Marriages: (1) 1915 at Melbourne, Victoria, to native-born Florence Nellie Fitzgerald (1893-1954).  They had two daughters and three sons. (2) 1958 at Burnley, Victoria, to Ruth Alice Horner [also known as Warner], née Poyntz, born in London, England. Death: 23 June 1977 at Mooroopna; usual residence Scott Street, Euroa. Religion: Anglican. 

  • Joined Melbourne 2nd branch of the Amalgamated Engineering Union (AEU) in 1912. During apprenticeship took part in apprenticeship dispute at H. V. McKay’s re working while tradesman were on strike.
  • Opened Preston branch, Victoria, becoming first secretary and president of Melbourne district committee for five years. From 1935 to 1940 was a member of Commonwealth Council of AEU. Then Victorian organiser until 1950 when elected Secretary of AEU Commonwealth Council, holding position until retirement in 1957.
  • Part of metal trades push for improvement of tradesmen’s margins 1946-1947.
  • Supported by Communists but described in 1949 as “a non-Communist Freemason”.
  • Cause of death: myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis.

Sources
AEU Monthly Journal, July 1957; Amalgamated Metal Workers and Shipwrights’ Union Monthly Journal, July 1977.

Additional Resources and Scholarship

  • profile, Labor Call (Melbourne), 2 September 1943, p 1

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Deverall, George William (1892–1977)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/deverall-george-william-33864/text42420, accessed 24 May 2025.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1892
Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Death

23 June, 1977 (aged ~ 85)
Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia

Cause of Death

heart disease

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation or Descriptor
Key Organisations