Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of John George BICE and Elizabeth Jane nee TREWENACK

John had married Hilda Coombs prior to enlisting. He saw 18 months of active service and after being wounded and gassed at Passchendaele, was sent home.  Due to his leg wound he was unable to continue farming at this time and 6 months later was appointed Chief Inspector of Soldier Settlement.  After 5 years in the position he was appointed Chief Inspector of the Soldiers' Settlement branch of the Lands and Survey Department.  It was whilst he was working here that he was appointed by the Governor in Executive Council, a member of the Southern Valuation Board.

He then farmed at Snowtown and later purchased a property at Echunga where he farmed for 2 years until, upon doctor's advice, he and his family moved to Katherine Street, Port Noarlunga.

On the 29th March 1941 he entered Parliament representing the Southern Districts in the Legislative Council.  His Parliamentary career was varied and he was appointed to a number of committees and served on the Public Works Standing Committee.  He served in WW2 as a Captain with the Volunteer Defence Corps  HQ and after the war in 1959 was gazetted to retain the title "Hon" after retiring from Parliament.

He was Patron of the Port Noarlunga Bowling Club and enjoyed many a game.  In his younger days he was a better than average cricketer having played with the East Torrens District Team, Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Snowtown and Morphett Vale.  As Patron of the Port Noarlunga Cricket Club, John was very supportive and was awarded Life Membership.  He was also Patron of the local tennis and football club, the local oval at Christies Beach being named after him.  He was also Trustee for the Port Noarlunga Institute Committee for over 18 years and a Justice of the Peace.

He was widely loved by all who knew him and a great favourite when opening and attending country shows and fetes.  A very generous, loved and respected husband, father and grandfather and member of the community, this admired gentleman died at the Osmond Terrace Private Hospital.  There were two children of the marriage, Joan and Betty. 

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