Finding Sir Tom Eastick

Occasionally the genealogy group finds a fascinating gem like my wife’s grandfather.

Having recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of V-J Day the discovery of my wife, Jenny’s grandfather, Brigadier General Sir Thomas Charles (‘Tom’) Eastick (1900– 1988) was of even more interest. He was a serving military officer at the time of the Japanese surrender

Born in South Australia, Tom was the eldest of six children who left school at 12 to care for his ailing mother and younger siblings. Later he became a Military officer having joined the Australian Field Artillery Militia in 1918 where he rose through the ranks due to his organisational talent and innovations in artillery training and technology. He introduced survey-based targeting and artillery coordination with aircraft - both groundbreaking at the time In 1925, he married Ruby Bruce and raised five sons. Two years later, Eastick transitioned into engineering and co-founded Angas Engineering Co., a venture that he was committed to until 1977.

On the outbreak of World War 2, Eastick led the 2/7th Field Regiment of the Australian Imperial Force, which played key roles in North Africa, including battles at Tel el Eisa and El Alamein working alongside Bernard Montgomery. In recognition of his leadership role, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and was mentioned in dispatches.

Eastick continued to hold commands in the Middle East and later in Borneo. In September 1945, he led the significant Kuching Force into Sarawak after the surrender of Japan, where he accepted the local commander’s surrender and the safe release of Allied soldiers and their families. This event has been commemorated every 10 years and many members of Sir Tom’s descended family travelled to Sarawak in September 2025 for a programme of ceremonial and cultural activities. He concluded his military career with the rank of Brigadier General and was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Star of Sarawak, (the only foreigner to do so).

Post-war, Eastick returned to civilian life but remained deeply committed to veteran affairs. He also served as an honorary aide- de-camp to the Governor-General of Australia and was recalled to military service briefly in 1950. For his public service, he was appointed CMG in 1953 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1970.

Sir Thomas remained active in business until his passing away in 1988. He left a legacy of integrity, dedication, and quiet strength and lived by the motto "near enough is never good enough." His eldest son, Bruce, also had a political career in South Australia training as a vet, leading the State Opposition and becoming speaker of the House 1979-82.

By a remarkable coincidence, a colleague in my genealogy group, Frances Mitchell, has extended family in South Australia. Her cousin’s daughter went to school with Danielle Eastick, a great grand- daughter of Sir Tom. Small World indeed!

Neil Anderson