Frank Doery (Sims)
An RAAF Flying Officer during World War II, James Doery was killed in a training accident in Italy and was interred at Bari War Cemetery. He was the eldest of three sons born to Frank Edward Doery and Muriel nee Byth - the others being Stewart Edward Doery (1926-1969) and Derek Henry Doery (1928-1987) who all attended the Geelong College. Frank Edward Doery was a member of the College Council from 1942 to 1956.
The magnificent
JAMES FRANK DOERY MEMORIAL WINDOW depicting St Michael and now housed in the Norman Morrison Memorial Hall was originally erected by his parents in memory to their son at Westmere Presbyterian Church in Victoria’s Western District. After de-consecration of the Church, the window was gifted to the School by Mrs Alec Sims (nee Doery) in memory of her brother. In 2003, the window was restored and re-housed. James Doery attended the College as a boarder from 1934 to 1939 after commencing his education at Westmere State School. At School, Frank played in the First Football Team of 1938 and 1939 and was Vice-Captain of Morrison House during his final term at the School. He was also a Sergeant in the Officer Training Corps (OTC).
The window was ordered by Mrs Doery from the firm Brooks, Robinson and; Co of Melbourne in November, 1948. The window, as originally constructed, measured 73 3/4 inches in height and 21 1/4 inches in width. The full scale drawing was taken from an earlier window by the same firm at Holy Trinity Church Oakleigh in 1947.
Sources: Pegasus June 1944 Page 64; Dr Bronwyn Hughes-Brooks Robinson and Co, Job Books (c1923-1966) Private Collection.