Lawyer, soldier, politician.
Griffin was a member of the 8th Australian Division 2nd AIF and was captured at the fall of Singapore. He spent 1298 days in Changi prison. He was one of a group of Australians who established a Literary Society among the prisoners of war to encourage the writing of poetry, stories and plays. During this time, Griffin also wrote The Happiness Box, a Christmas book for the 300 children incarcerated in Changi. The original copy is held in the State Library of New South Wales.
After the war, Griffin returned to Sydney to practise law. He also developed extensive business and community interests, and eventually became Lord Mayor of Sydney.