Francis Joseph Brewer (b.1884, d.2/1/1956). A journalist from Bondi, Brewer moved to Queensland in 1911 where he worked for the Telegraph then the Brisbane Courier until enlistment and embarkation in 1917 at age 33. It is believed during the course of his work he met Muriel Jean Jamieson and they married in February 1917. A wedding notice appeared in ‘The Queenslander’ on 1 March 1917 and listed Brewer’s address as the Engineers Camp, Enoggera. During his service he was also hospitalised for ‘hysteria’ and venereal disease. In 1918 Brewer was shot in the ankle which eventually led to him being returned to Australia.

On his return to Australia, Brewer continued his work as a journalist covering politics and court proceedings. He also authored several publications including ‘All About War Gratuity : instructions how to get it, together with a gratuity ready reckoner; Australian handbook for nurses, sailors, soldiers and dependants’ and ‘Sixty-six years of municipal government’ for the Brisbane Council.

Brewer kept a diary or diaries throughout his involvement in the war which he sold to the Mitchell Library.