People Australia

Albert Edward (Bert) Hewitt (1895-1960) foundry worker and trade union official

Birth: 1895 at Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, son of Albert Edward William Hewitt (1867-1937), iron worker and foundry proprietor, born at Sedgeley, Staffordshire, England, and native-born Grace Caroline, née Miller (1875-1960). Marriage: 1920 at Perth, Western Australia, to May Elizabeth Weaver (1893-1986). They had one son. Death: 2 May 1960 at Perth. Religion: Wesleyan. 

• Family moved to WA when he was eighteen months old. His father Albert Edward senior was a Freemason and an active office-bearer in the United Ancient Order of Druids, WA. Young Bert trained as a foundry worker.
• Having served for three years in the 37th Battalion Field Artillery at Guildford, he enlisted in Australian Imperial Force on 29 January 1916 and trained in Melbourne. Served overseas in the Australian Field artillery from September 1916 during World War I. Returned to Australia and was discharged in Perth on 10 May 1919.
• On his return he worked at Metters and the Hoskins, Kalgoorlie. Moved to Perth and worked at Hadfields and Carce’s Foundry.
• Part-time secretary of the WA branch of the Federated Moulders’ (Metal) Union of Australia, for a short period after WWI. Full-time secretary of the branch from 1942 to 1960.
• Member of the Federal Council of the Federated Moulders’ (Metal) Union of Australia from 1945 to 1960? Assisted in establishing an Apprentice Trade School.
• Member of the Australian Labor Party. Associated with Nedlands Amateur Swimming Club, Legacy, and the Civilian Maimed and Limbless Association.
• His son Albert Edward Hewitt the 3rd (1921-c.2005) served in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve in World War II and was mentioned in dispatches.

Sources
Australian Foundry Worker, July 1960.