# John Henry "JH / Jack" Whillas (1909–1974)

Dick's eldest brother; a career PMG (Postmaster-General's Department) employee.

## Key facts

- **Born:** 12 Oct 1909, Finsbury Park, [Adelaide](/places/adelaide-south-australia) (no birth certificate)
- **Died:** Oct 1974, Adelaide (after a long illness)
- **Married:** Flora Cameron ("Cam"), Apr 1936, Murray Bridge
- **Children:** one adopted son, [Ian](/people/ian-whillas)

## Life

John Henry Whillas — known as JH or Jack — was the eldest child of [Charles Johnston Whillas](/people/charles-johnston-whillas-b1872) and [Charlotte Sloggett](/people/charlotte-sloggett-whillas-b1879). He began work with the PMG on 24 June 1925 and passed the exam for Junior Mechanic in June 1927, remaining with the PMG all his working life apart from a lighthouse stint.

On 16 October 1931 he was appointed temporary lightkeeper on [Neptune Island](/places/neptune-island-lighthouse) — meant to be short term, but he stayed about 12 months due to a staff shortage, leaving in August 1932.

He married Flora Cameron ("Cam") at Murray Bridge in April 1936. They could not have children of their own and adopted a son, [Ian](/people/ian-whillas).

## Family

- **Parents:** [Charles Johnston Whillas](/people/charles-johnston-whillas-b1872) · [Charlotte Sloggett](/people/charlotte-sloggett-whillas-b1879)
- **Wife:** Flora Cameron ("Cam")
- **Son:** [Ian Whillas](/people/ian-whillas) (adopted)
- **Siblings:** [Daisy](/people/daisy-whillas-b1912), [Marjorie](/people/marjorie-whillas-b1912), [Fran](/people/frances-louise-whillas-b1915), [Dick](/people/richard-charles-whillas-b1920)

## Sources

- Whillas–McLeod family history spreadsheet (Rev 4), *1900s*, *1920s*, *1930s* and *1970s* sheets.