Aarons, Sam (1896-1971)
B.1896. S of Louis, born London 1862 boot repairer & Jane Hyam, born Brooklyn, USA, 1874 M. Dorian Lilian Thomas, separated 1924, partner Myrtle Hart, later Esme Odgers D. Jan 1971 Royal Perth Hospital, WA; father of Laurence and Eric. Jewish faith
Parents active in VSP and founder members of CPA. Socialist since youth and anti-conscriptionist in WWI, batoned by police during 2000 strong march to Parliament House, Melbourne, 1916, serving gaol sentence. Joined CPA 1929 following failure of shoe repair shop. Arrested and charged for using insulting words in regard to policeman/spy, 1931. Secretary FOSU 1930s and led second workers’ delegation to USSR, 1932. National organiser, CPA; member International Brigade as transport driver, Spain, 1936, participating in fierce battles at Tereul and the Ebro, and speaker/fundraiser for Spanish Relief Committee upon return for subsistence wage of £2 per week. House raided by security in WWII. Independent Socialist candidate. Granville, 1941. During 1940s and 1950s member of Central Committee, CPA and Secretary Western Australian State Committee, CPA. Described by Macintyre as ‘blunt’ and ‘aggressive, by son Eric as ‘a charming, sophisticated and sensual man, enormously attractive to women’.
Tribune, 13 Jan. 1971; Australian Worker, 8 July 1931; Newcastle Morning Herald, 11 January 1971; Playford thesis, Macintyre, 1998. Inglis, Australians in the Spanish Civil War, 1987. Eric Aarons, What’s Left. Information from J. Damousi, 1991