Walter Hannam

Walter Henry Hannam (1885–1965) was an Australian wireless experimenter, a founding member of the Wireless Institute of Australia, wireless operator and mechanic on the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, a member of the ANZAC Wireless Company in World War I, and tireless promoter of amateur radio in the 1920s.

Early life and family Hannam was born in 1885 in Burwood, New South Wales. He studied at the Sydney Technical College and was awarded a diploma in science. He was a founding member of the Wireless Institute of Australia.

Wireless experiments

Antarctic expeditioner Hannam was selected as part of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition. He helped to set up the wireless equipment on Macquarie Island. He is credited with being the first person to establish wireless contact with Australia from Antarctica. He served as an engineer in the Australian Motor Transport Corps. The Australian Antarctic Divisions’ Walter Hannam Building honours his achievements. Awarded patent for "Improvements in rapid type electric water heaters for bath and other domestic service", subsequently successfully marketed