Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Mr David Garven, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, Queensland

LATE GEORGE GARVEN
Deep regret has been occasioned among the older members of the Fire Brigade Section of the A.W.U. by the passing of George McCreath Garven at Townsville on January 19. One of those most actively associated with the organising and formation of the Section, George became its first advocate in the Industrial Court in Brisbane. Many of the improved conditions enjoyed by the younger generation of firemen today can be attributed to his work. Enlisting from the Brigade in World War 1, he was attached to the famous 9th Battalion, and was among the first to land on Gallipoli. On his return, he rejoined the Brigade in December, 1918, and six years later was appointed Chief Officer at Townsville. He held that position till he passed on at 58. He is survived by  his widow, and an adult family of two sons and two daughters.

“Townsville Daily Bulletin, Saturday 20 January 1951, Page 2” –

“Twenty-seven years of service as Superintendent of the Townsville Fire Brigade was terminated on Friday afternoon with the death of George McCreath Garven at the age of 67 years. The late “Geordie” Garven was due to leave for Brisbane on Saturday morning for admittance to Greenslopes military hospital. Throughout his entire working life, he was associated with fire brigades. Born at Paisley, Scotland, in 1885, he had served with the fire brigade in that city before migrating to Australia. He arrived in this country in 1911 and joined the brigade there. A member of the 9th Battalion in the first A.I.F, he served on Gallipoli and later in France. Rejoining the Brisbane brigade on his discharge, he was later appointed Superintendent at Townsville in 1924 and was acting in that capacity until granted leave of absence due to ill health. The late fire chief was a keen bowling man. He is survived by his widow and grown-up family of two sons, David of Nango and Thomas of Mackay and two daughters, Mesdames K Jage and J Hyde of Melbourne.”