Harry Houdini
Discover the life of Harry Houdini, legendary escape artist and magician, including his groundbreaking performances and aviation feats in Australia.
SIDWELL, Oswald William Thomas (Bill)
A country boy from Goulburn, whose skill for tennis made him one of the best in Australia.
World War II interrupted a promising career for the 1939 Australian Junior Champion, as Bill went on to become a Pathfinder pilot in England. After returning home, Bill continued his tennis career, which culminated in him winning the US Open Doubles in 1949 with John Bromwich. He was employed by Slazengers for 47 years, taught Norman Von Nida how to play tennis – who in turn taught him how to play golf. Up until the pandemic, Bill was still playing golf multiple times a week at the ripe of age of 100. A truly remarkable man, who lived a full life.
Bill died on 19 August 2021 at Kareena Private. He will be missed by his family; Terry, Peter, Scott, Jan, and Katie, along with all those whose lives he touched in many ways.