K.N.E. Bradfield (1997)

CAHS Oral History

Dr K.N.E. Bradfield OBE (1910 - 2006)

'Bill' Bradfield graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering with First Class Honours in 1934 and as a Rhodes Scholar completed a doctoral thesis in engineering science at Oxford University. He also learned to fly and completed his scholarship working for the first English firm of architects to specialise in airport planning and design. Back in Australia in 1939, he joined the Department of Civil Aviation as there was an urgent need to develop aerodromes throughout Australia. Dr Bradfield was promoted to Superintendent of Ground Operations in 1941 and in 1945 he was the Chief Airport Engineer. In 1957 he was the Assistant Director-General (Ground Facilities), and in 1964 became First Assistant Director-General (Ground Facilities). Dr Bradfield was responsible for the design work on the expansion of the airports at Mascot, Essendon and Tullamarine.