Hello.
I was fascinated to find your post about Prof. George Wesley Austin - posted rather a long time ago, now. He lived about a mile further up the lane from my family home (between Thaxted and Lindsell, Essex). I remember him coming to our house when I was a teenager to have a chat with my father (a Maths teacher). He had a Rolls Royce which seemed to me to 'glide' down the lane, hardly making any noise. He owned a 'castle' in Scotland and would travel up there regularly.
I'm interested to know whether you managed to trace his son, Edwin (if still alive). If so, did you obtain any further information?
I have just completed a PhD (University of Southampton) about a Jewish group named Bachad who owned and ran a 380 acre farm just across the fields from Prof. Austin's 'New Barn' (New Barn also had land attached). Prof. Austin knew the group and at one point, Bachad leaders were trying to persuade Prof. Austin to sell them New Barn - they suggested that he buy a house in Cambridge so that he could be nearer the university! Prof. Austin considered the matter, but decided against it in the end! (making this suggestion to Prof. Austin would be classed as 'chutzpah' in Jewish circles!). Records suggest that the Austins may have taken in a Jewish refugee during the early years of the War. Also, one of Anna Freud's nurseries was accommodated at New Barn. Sadly, I haven't been able to find out any further details or evidence of the 'networks' that obviously facilitated Prof. Austin's contacts with the Jewish folk.
I look forward to hearing from you - and if possible, would like to view what you have written about Prof. Austin.
With best wishes,
