author
P. E. (Percival Edgar) Deane
1890–1946
Best remembered as an Australian public servant, he also left a small mark as a writer, co-authoring a detailed First World War history of the Australian Army Medical Corps in Egypt. His life moved from business and journalism into the center of government, giving his work an unusual mix of practical experience and official insight.
1 Audiobook
The Australian Army Medical Corps in Egypt An Illustrated and Detailed Account of the Early Organisation and Work of the Australian Medical Units in Egypt in 1914-1915
by Sir James W. (James William) Barrett, P. E. (Percival Edgar) Deane
About the author
Born in Port Melbourne on 10 August 1890, Percival Edgar Deane—often called Percy Deane—was educated at University High School in Melbourne and worked in a range of jobs before public life drew him in. Reliable biographical sources describe him as a businessman, editor, and later a senior public servant, with especially close connections to the Australian federal government in the 1910s and 1920s.
For readers, his clearest literary connection is as co-author, with Sir James W. Barrett, of The Australian Army Medical Corps in Egypt, an illustrated account of the work of Australian medical units in 1914–1915. That book reflects his First World War service background and his talent for organized, factual writing.
Deane later became best known in Australia for government service, including work as private secretary to Prime Minister Billy Hughes and later as Secretary of the Prime Minister's Department. He died in 1946. No suitable verified portrait image was found from the sources checked during this conversation, so no profile image is included.