Every so often, a donation to the Carey Archives brings a remarkable life back into focus. A recent gift has done exactly that, returning to view the story of a former student whose name is little known today.
The donation, made by his sister Olwen, included a prefect’s cap and a collection of school prize books belonging to Reginald Milne Williamson, known to family and friends as Milne. Carefully preserved by his sister for more than seventy-five years, these items provide a tangible link to one of Carey’s most gifted young scholars.
Milne was born on 15 March 1930 to Reginald and Jessie Williamson (née Carstairs) and commenced at Carey in February 1934. He grew up 1A Harcourt Street, Hawthorn East, just a short walk from the School.
Milne’s academic ability was evident early in his schooling. He was appointed a prefect and received numerous academic prizes, reflecting both his intellectual ability and his leadership within the school community.
Among his achievements were an exceptional number of book prizes awarded for excellence across a wide range of subjects:
Form IIIB Work Prize, 1937
Form Upper Remove Special Drawing Prize – The Deryck McAlpin Prize (gift of Mrs J. B. McAlpin), 1939
Form IV Dux of Form – The Deryck McAlpin Prize (gift of Mrs J. B. McAlpin), 1941
Form V Prize for Scripture (gift of Mrs Le Brocq), 1942
Form V Dux of Form – The Donald & Keith Langford Prize (founded by Mr and Mrs A. C. Langford), 1942
Form VIB Scripture Prize (gift of Mrs Le Brocq), 1943
Form VIB Dux of Form – The Rose Hutton Memorial Prize (gift of Mr and Mrs N. W. Hutton), 1943
Form VIA Prize for Scripture (gift of Mrs Le Brocq), 1944
Form Intermediate Scripture Prize, 1945
Form VI OCGA Prize for Senior Public Speaking, 1947
Form VI OCGA Prize for Public Speaking, 1947
Form VI Evan Rees Prize for English, 1947
Form VI Merit Prize, 1947
In his final year, Milne won the OCGA-sponsored Public Speaking contest with a ‘fine oration on Abraham Lincoln’.i
He matriculated in December 1947 and was awarded a scholarship to the University of Melbourne to study law. He completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) one year early, achieving the highest result in his graduating cohort.ii
During his university years, Milne joined the Melbourne University Air Squadron and undertook training at East Sale in late 1951. He served as an Air Cadet Officer (A34766) and was part of the squadron’s training program with the Royal Australian Air Force.
On 9 December 1951, at just 21 years of age and while on leave at RAAF Base East Sale, he drowned accidentally.
The Carey Chronicle (July 1952) reported:
Vale Milne Williamson
We extend our sincere and deep sympathy to Mr and Mrs R. Williamson and Miss Williamson on the tragic loss of their son and brother, Milne, who was accidentally drowned on 9 December while attending a camp for the Flying Flight of the University Air Squadron at the East Sale RAAF Station.
Milne, a fourth-year Law student, was widely known and much liked, with a broad circle of friends and interests. He will be long remembered as one of the most brilliant public speakers and debaters to have attended the School.
The return of Milne’s school memorabilia to Carey through the generosity of his sister Olwen allows us to remember not only his achievements, but also the young man behind them. More than 75 years after his death, his story remains one of exceptional promise, service and loss.
Helen Wolff
Archivist, Community Engagement
Endnotes:
i Carey Chronicle (July 1948). p. 6
ii This distinction was only realised after Milne’s death.
