John (Jack) Maxwell Pearn

John (Jack) Maxwell Pearn was born on the 15th January 1915 and was the eldest of the three Pearn Brothers.

As the eldest child Jack was given responsibility from an early age, and was sent out at daylight to light the fire in the steam engine so that it would be ready for work straight after breakfast. From five years of age, he was capable of operating a steam engine on his own; steam was a passion that remained with him for the rest of his life.

He rode his bike to the local school at Glenore under the watchful eye of teacher, Mrs Ward. He completed his education at the age of 14 before returning home to work on the family farm.

During World War two, Jack served for four and a half years in the Royal Australian Engineers Division which included service in New Guinea. Whilst working at Lae, a machine he was operating fell on him, causing him to break his knee cap. It was 10 days before he was able to be airlifted back to Australia for treatment. Due to the length of time since the injury occurred his knee was never operated on, causing him problems for the rest of his life. Like many troops who served in tropical areas, he contracted malaria and suffered repeated bouts for 23 years after his return home.

During this time in New Guinea, the following poem was written about Jack.

Memories of a Friend

In civvy life he’s on a farm
‘Midst rural Hagley’s rustic charm.
For many years he’s tilled the soil
With vigorous, and honest toil.

Then comes a second world wide war
And brave men’s hearts are filled with awe.
Our country’s in this deadly strife
To help secure the nations life.

And so our friend to camp is called,
And in a army hut installed
With many fellows “Strange”, thinks he,
“But all for rights and liberty’.

It seems so grim, this army drill.
He goes to it with sturdy will
To do his bit, and then return
To Hagley, is his chief concern.

And whilst in camp, (Oh, what a dump),
He came at last to work the pump,
And help the cobbers with their work.
His duties he will never shirk.

Upon the job in pensive mood
Our pump-house hand will sit and brood.
His mind is mechanical, –
Occasionally fanatical.

He conjured up a nimble plan
To cool the pump; – he made a fan.
This job has brought him well-earned fame,
For to inspect it many came.

You’ll find him smudged with grease and grime
Repairing bikes, – to bide his time.
His hours never idly spent,
For Jack needs work to be content.

No matter what machine it is,
Completest knowledge will be his
He has outstanding aptitude,
And engineering attitude.

And when his thoughts are most intent,
On calculating problems, bent,
He seems impervious to time,
And ambles on in peace, sublime.

Some day; I hope that he’s succeeds,
And bring to us inventions need.
For then a brighter day shall burn.
For our old friend, ‘Good luck, jack Pearn’.

Upon returning from New Guinea, Jack met and married Jessie Newton. He used his war service savings as a deposit, to purchase their property ‘Standish’, at Station Lane, Hagley.

Following their retirement from farming, Jack and Jessie moved to Westbury and so began the Pearns Steam World dream. Jack died on the 3rd July 2003, leaving behind his wife Jessie and his three daughters, Jean, Anne and Ruth.