Keith F Abernethy
Melbourne University Boat Club (VIC)
Keith Forbes Abernethy was the middle of three sons of McLure Abernethy, the local solicitor from Shepparton Victoria.
He was schooled at Wesley College Melbourne where he followed in the footsteps of his older brother Reginald into rowing. His rowing results at Wesley were excellent with two wins from two starts at the Head of the River.
1913 Wesley College crew with Keith in the seven seat
Following his school years, he went to university and studied medicine whilst living at Queens College. It was in his fourth year in June 1918, shortly after his brother was killed in action, that he enlisted in the army. His papers show that he was already in the Melbourne University Rifles and a school cadet. He was never called up for duty and demobilised in December 1918 after the armistice.
He continued his rowing after the war with good results in the University Championships.
Rowing summary
1912 - Nagambie Regatta, Maiden Four, bow seat - First
1912 - APS Head of the River, Wesley College First Eight, five seat - First
1912 - APS Head of the River, Wesley College First Eight, seven seat - First
1919 - Australian University Championship Men's Eight, five seat - First
1920 - Australian University Championship Men's Eight, six seat - Second
Andrew Guerin and Steve Roll
December 2022