John Arthur Brabham, the son of a green grocer, was born in the Sydney suburb of
Hurstville on April 2, 1926. The young Brabham left school at the age of 15 to work in a
garage.
On May 19, 1944 - just one month after turning 18 - Brabham enlisted with the Royal
Australian Air Force. His final posting was No. 5 Operational Training Unit, based at Williamtown
and operating a number of aircraft including the Beaufighter and Mosquito. Brabham was then
discharged from the RAAF on April 2, 1946 - his 20th birthday - with the rank of Leading Aircraftman
(LAC).
For the ten years leading up until 1957, Brabham gained experience in numerous types
of car racing before starting his Formula 1 career. His first Grand Prix win came at Monaco on
May 12, 1959. This win helped Brabham obtain his first World Championship.
After five Grand Prix wins in 1960, Brabham scored his second World Championship title,
his third being obtained in 1966 at age 40. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in
the same year and continued racing until 1970.
Related Links:
Australian WW2 Nominal Roll Profile
Sir Jack Brabham, OBE - Official Website
International Motorsports Hall Of Fame Biography
