Basil William Telfer
Biography
Role: Son of William Francis "Frank" Telfer (1885–1955) and Ethel May Wisher — Merredin, Western Australia. RAAF Flight Lieutenant, WW2.
Born: 20 January 1920
Died: 12 July 1981 (aged 61)
Buried: Karrakatta Cemetery, Western Australia
Spouse: Eileen Louise Harrison
Occupation: Soldier then RAAF airman (WW2); farmer/storekeeper of the Merredin district
Family
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | William Francis "Frank" Telfer (1885–1955) |
| Mother | Ethel May Wisher (1890–1944) |
| Wife | Eileen Louise Harrison |
| Siblings | Geoffrey Francis Telfer (1914–1975), Ruth Margaret Telfer Carson (1915–2000), Stewart Alan Telfer, Lesley Thomas Telfer (1891–1914), Olive Netta Telfer |
Life Summary
Basil William Telfer was born on 20 January 1920, one of the Merredin children of William Francis "Frank" Telfer and Ethel May Wisher.
He served Australia in the Second World War, first enlisting in the Australian Army as WX12766 (1941–43), then transferring to the RAAF, where he was paid off as a Flight Lieutenant (service no. 432035). (From the Borders to the Bush, p.185.)
He married Eileen Louise Harrison and died on 12 July 1981, aged 61, and is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery, Western Australia.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 20 Jan 1920 | Born |
| 1941–43 | Australian Army service — WX12766 |
| 1942–46 | RAAF service — paid off as Flight Lieutenant (432035) |
| — | Married Eileen Louise Harrison |
| 12 Jul 1981 | Died (aged 61); buried Karrakatta Cemetery, WA |
Sources
- Source: Find a Grave — memorial 213549577, Basil William Telfer (1920–1981), Karrakatta WA — b. 20 Jan 1920, d. 12 Jul 1981 — accessed 4 October 2026
- Source: Virtual War Memorial Australia — Basil William Telfer — Army WX12766 (1941–43), RAAF 432035 (1942–46), Flight Lieutenant — accessed 4 October 2026
- Source: From the Borders to the Bush (Donald Telfer), Chapter 8 — George Wright Telfer & Ruth Penna, p.185 — accessed 4 October 2026
Tags
Parents
- William Francis Telfer (1885 – 1955)
Siblings
- Geoffrey Francis Telfer (1914 – 1975)
- Lesley Thomas Telfer (1891 – 1914)
- Ruth Margaret Carson (1915 – 2000)