The biography below was written by John Edward Anderson’s grandson, James Eric William Anderson on or about 17 June 1999 as part of a school project.

John Anderson was born Wednesday, 16 February 1927 in the Royal Women’s Hospital, Paddington, New South Wales. He was the oldest of six children with three brothers Erik, Murray and Christopher. John also had two sisters Joy and Peggy. John’s parents were John James Anderson and Lyllah Emily Maud Webb. It was 1929 when the great depression started when John was put into grief. It was Christmas morning when he was riding his brand new scooter which in the great depression cost lots of money. When a kid asked John if he could have a go so John gave him a go and he took off with it. John never saw it again. John was again put into grief when his Mother died and put his life into misery. Luckily his friends Bob Green and John McKean helped him pull through. Once John wagged Surry Hills school and went to the paddocks to pick mulberries.

John Edward Anderson was a Scout, a Rover and a Venturer. He earned a King Scout award and being the only one in the Anderson family to receive one he takes great pride in knowing he is Prepared.

John’s first job was at a mercer shop called Freniky. When John was 18 he joined the Armed Forces infantry and went to New Guinea but luckily didn’t see any action. John married in 1949 to Edith and again in 1997 to Isabel. John has five children in order of Kylie, Jonathon, twins Bill and David and Robyn.

John worked for 38 years at the AMP Society as Secretary and Management. John obviously thinks AMP is a good company. As well, John likes working as much as he likes moving, with houses at Narrandera, Epping, Aspley, Neutral Bay, Green Point, Newcastle and Waverley. John also likes travelling because he has been to USA eight times, UK two times, France, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, Fiji and China. John Edward Anderson thinks that everywhere he has been his workmates help him along. In the future John hopes he can improve on his fitness and his happiness.

For more family information see John’s letter of 5 April 1999