NOTICE OF DEATH - TONY GAZE DFC**, OAM

It is regret that the Club has to announce the death of Life Member, Tony Gaze. Tony was the first Australian to compete in a Formula One Grand Prix (the 1952 Belgium Grand Prix), but his first race was at Brooklands in 1938 in a Hudson borrowed from his Uncle Bob. He was probably one of the last surviving drivers to have raced at Brooklands.

After a distinguished wartime career in the Royal Air Force during which he served, almost exclusively, on Spitfires and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross a remarkable three times (and escaped back through occupied France to England having been shot down), Tony became re-involved in motor racing in 1946 when he convinced the Earl of March to turn RAF Westhampnett into a circuit that would soon be known as Goodwood.

Upon returning to Australia post-war with a 1930s Alta racer, he began contesting hill climbs and quickly achieved success. He competed extensively in Europe and Australasia in the 50s and towards the end of that decade set up Kangaroo Stable, the Aston Martin sports car squad that brought Jack Brabham to attention on the continent. After retiring from motor racing he represented Australia in the 1960 World Gliding Championships.

Tony Gaze married Lex Davison’s widow Diana after Lex died from a heart attack at Sandown Park in his Tasman Brabham in 1965. Tony was therefore step-grandfather to Full Member Alex Davison and his brother Will who both compete in the V8 Supercar championship and to whom the Club has sent its condolences. Funeral details are not yet known.