Reminiscences of a Queensland Engineer

Andrew Patterson looks back at his life growing up in suburban Brisbane and his career as a civil engineer in this memoir.

Born during World War II, he grew up in a rented house in Doomben a short distance from the southern end of Brisbane's main Eagle Farm Aerodrome-not a particularly safe place to live during wartime. Many family members and friends used their home as a staging post on their way north to war.

His family life was sometimes odd, with his father always urging him to do well in school-or else he would turn him and his brother, Gavin, into "bloody little Bank Johnnies." He said it in such a disparaging way that it sounded like this would be the worst punishment they could possibly suffer.

He also recalls his array of experiences as a civil engineer working in Queensland and other projects throughout the world.

Join the author as he shares a firsthand account of growing up in Queensland, his passion for sailing and flying, and his fascinating life as an engineer.