Essington Lewis
Essington Lewis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Burra, South Australia, Australia |
| Died | October 2, 1961 (aged 80) |
| Occupation | Industrial leader |
| Known for | Director-General of the Department of Munitions during World War II; Managing Director and Chairman of BHP |
Essington Lewis (13 January 1881 – 2 October 1961) was a prominent Australian industrial leader who served as Director-General of the Department of Munitions during World War II.
Early life
Lewis was born on 13 January 1881 in Burra, South Australia, the son of John Lewis (1844–1923), a pastoralist and politician who co-founded Bagot, Shakes & Lewis. His given name commemorated Port Essington, the location of his father's cattle station. He received his education at St Peter's College, Adelaide and later attended the South Australian School of Mines.
Career
Beginning his career at BHP in 1904, Lewis climbed the ranks to become managing director in 1926 and was appointed chairman in 1950, positions he retained until his passing in 1961. During his time as managing director, he collaborated closely with the Chairman of Directors, Harold Gordon Darling (1885–1950).
In the decade of the 1930s, his travels to Germany and Japan revealed potential threats to Australia’s security. He played a key role in founding the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation and establishing munitions factories, thereby preparing Australia’s industrial base for the demands of World War II. Throughout the conflict, he held the position of Director-General of the Department of Munitions. Following the war, Lewis actively promoted the growth of Australia's automotive sector, notably purchasing the first commercially manufactured Holden 48-215 in 1948.
On 24 September 1943, he was honored as a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in recognition of his outstanding leadership in munitions and aircraft production during WWII.
Personal life
In 1910, Lewis married Gladys Rosalind Cowan, OBE, daughter of James Cowan. The couple had five surviving children: sons James Essington Lewis and Robert Brook Lewis AM; and daughters Helen Clarke, Mary Munckton OAM, and Jane Nevile. Two other children, David and Janet, passed away during infancy. The sons were educated at Geelong Grammar School while their daughters attended Clyde School. The family lived in Malvern, Victoria, and owned a rural estate named "Landscape" near Tallarook. Robert Brook (1918–2009) notably served as Master of St Mark's College at the University of Adelaide from 1957 to 1968 and subsequently at Menzies College, La Trobe University from 1968 to 1970.
Death
Lewis died on 2 October 1961 at age 80 while horseback riding on his property "Landscape" near Tallarook; reports attributed his death to a heart attack. His funeral service took place at St John's Anglican Church in Toorak and was attended by many; he was cremated thereafter.
Legacy
His life has been commemorated through several works including Geoffrey Blainey’s biography The Steel-Master: a life of Essington Lewis, Clive Turnbull’s book Essington Lewis, and John O'Donoghue’s musical play I am Work. Since 1975, the Essington Lewis Memorial Lecture has been held annually in South Australia, sponsored by BHP and initiated by the Adelaide Branch of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Additionally, one of Whyalla’s principal thoroughfares is named Essington Lewis Avenue in his memory.