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George Claud Notman (Prefects, 1932).
George Claud Notman, author and farmer, co-authored the centenary College history,
The Geelong College 1861-1961, published in 1961.
He was born at Ballarat to parents Albert Parsons Notman and Janet May nee Pender and first attended Skipton State School. He commenced at Geelong College in 1928 where he demonstrated a diverse prowess. He was a member of the 1st XVIII Football Team and a School Prefect in 1931 and 1932. In 1932, he became Senior Prefect. He early showed his interest in writing and was a member of the
Pegasus committee for three years from 1931 to 1932 and its editor in 1931. In 1932, he was awarded the
Argus Prize.
After the outbreak of war he enlisted in the RAAF in February, 1941 and, following a year’s training was sent to England to become a crew member of a night bomber over Europe during World War II. His reminiscences provide a vivid description of his experiences. At the end of his tour of duty he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation read Pilot Officer Notman
‘has completed many successful operations against the enemy in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty, after a tour of bombing duty over Germany, including ten visits to the capital.’ He returned to Australia in September, 1944 and was demobilized in February, 1945. A letter from him was published in
Pegasus in 1943. He also published
'Of Sheep and Men’ about Merino farming and early settlement.
Sources: Letter-Pegasus December 1943, p62; Unpublished Reminiscences, Notman Family; James Affleck; Geelong Collegians’ at the Second World War p408.