INGPEN, Thomas Robert (1909-1991)

Modified on Mon, 05 Dec 2016 10:35 by Con — Categorized as: Biography - All, Biography - Students, Geelong College, Biography of War - World War II

INGPEN, Thomas Robert (1909-1991)


Thomas Robert Ingpen was the eldest of four brothers, children of Thomas Abel Ingpen and Violet Ann nee Anderson, to attend Geelong College. Born on 27 February 1909 he was enrolled at Geelong College from Mrs Harris’ School on 8 March 1919. He left in December 1925.

At College, he was a member of the 1st Football XVIII in 1924 and 1925, the 1st Cricket XI in 1924 and 1925, and the Athletics Team in 1924.

On 6 October 1934 he married Vida Burnice Sutton with whom he had two children, Robert Roger Ingpen and Janet Ingpen. Janet later married Reverend John Potter, at one time chaplain at Geelong Grammar School, Timbertop.

During World War II, Thomas, known as ‘Rod’, enlisted (No. VX77990) on 16 Match 1942 and served as a sergeant with 33rd Aircraft Battery, RAA in New Guinea. He was in the same unit as his brother, Gunner D A Ingpen and Sergeant A E McDonald, both Old Collegians. His service was completed on 22 June 1944.

He died at Newtown on 20 November 1991.

His brothers, Donald Anderson Ingpen (1910-2003); Reginald John Ingpen (1913-1990); William Lane Ingpen (1908-1966) and son, Dr Robert Ingpen were also educated at Geelong College.


Sources: Geelong Collegians at the Second World War by James Affleck p297.