George Coles (entrepreneur) - The Brothers

The Brothers

  • George James "G.J." Coles (1885 – 1977). Principal subject of this article.
  • James Scouler "Jim" Coles (July 1888 – 10 August 1916) helped brother George with his first store, served in France with the 4th Field Artillery Brigade during World War I and was killed in action.
  • Arthur William "A.W." Coles (6 August 1892 – 2 April 1985) joined the 6th Battalion in August 1914. He was twice wounded in action (at Gallipoli and in France) and was repatriated in 1916. He momentarily displaced George as chairman in 1936 in a coup and was made managing director. He was elected Lord Mayor of Melbourne in 1938 and re-elected twice. He was appointed to a number of highly public organizations and was knighted in 1960.
  • David Henry Coles (July 1894 – 20 October 1917) had little to do with the business; he moved to Wilmot, Tasmania with his father after George took over the business. He served in Belgium with 10th Field Artillery Brigade during World War I and died of wounds.)
  • (Kenneth) Frank "K.F." Coles (19 April 1896 – 2 April 1985) was knighted in 1957, henceforth known as "Sir Kenneth". He retired from the board in 1976
  • Edgar Barton Coles "E.B." (3 June 1899 – 19 February 1981) first secretary of G. J. Coles Ltd, drove much of the company's expansion and entry into television advertising. He was knighted in 1959.
  • Norman Cameron "N.C." Coles (10 September 1907 – 24 November 1989) was born to George (senior)'s second wife Ann Cameron, née Topp, in Victoria but was mostly educated in Tasmania. He joined G. J. Coles & Coy. Ltd in 1924 and became Managing Director 1967 – 1975. He was chairman of the board from 1968, and deputy chairman of K-mart (Australia) Ltd. from 1967. He was knighted in 1977.

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