He studied at the Sydney Technical College and was awarded a diploma in science.
[2] He is credited with being the first person to establish wireless contact with Australia from Antarctica.
[4][1] On his departure in February 1913, Sidney Jeffryes took over his post as wireless operator.
[5][1] Circa 1910, Hannam was closely involved with Captain George Augustine Taylor in a number of successful demonstrations to the military as to the potential uses of wireless telegraphy.
Following the commencement of World War I, Hannam enlisted on 2 June 1915 in the Australian Imperial Forces, embarked for France and commenced duties in the field workshops.