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Eagles, Judy
(nee Nicol) Served 1960-66. Cerberus Nov 1960-June 1962 Recruit School, Supply School & Central Regulating Office working with MAA Frank Denman, 1962 Harman(NO) Manning Department - Drafting Office, 1962-63 Penguin attached to Rushcutter working in Recruiting Office which was down the road from Rushcutter. 1963-64 Harman(NO) Manning Department - Advancement Section; 1964-66 Penguin attached to Kuttabul - Navy News. Represented the Navy in Inter-Service swimming 1960-66. Lives in Townsville.
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Eckel, Alan ‘Salty’ Born 1st June 1929. R32538. Joined 19th September 1946 as a Stoker and subsequently transferred to Writer 6th October  1949. After Writer training he joined Sydney 23/11/1951 until 6/8/1952 where he joined Penguin for a month before joining Vengeance 21/9/1952. He was promoted to LS 1/1/1953. Again at Penguin from15/6/1953 until a posting to Tarangau 6/8/1955 – 25/7/1956. From this period he was located in various establishments in the Sydney area for brief periods. He joined Parramatta 28/12/1964. Promoted PO 5/2/1965. He moved to Vampire 25/10/1965 until he joined Watson 13/2/1967 until his discharge 5/10/1969. Four years RAFR service from 6/4/1970 mostly at Cerberus, Nirimba and Penguin.
Navy News Tribute - September 21, 1998
Tributes have continued to pour in for Navy rugby great, former CPOWTR Allen Salty Eckel who died in Townsville on Monday July 27.LEUT Bryan Hull, who represented the Senior Naval Officer, South Queensland, read the eulogy at Salty's funeral, conducted by Bishop John Lewis at the city's Sacred Heart Cathedral.
LEUT Hull, who knew Salty for 36 years, said the cathedral was filled to the doors with RAN Rugby Union past and present players including WO Sutton, Benny Hill and Timber Mills among many, members of the ADFRU, uniformed members of the TS CORAL SEA cadet unit, Townsville Grammar School staff and students and RSL and Naval Association members. His family was headed by his son, Mark. Tributes included a bell engraved with Salty's name donated to Townsville Grammar School from the local Naval Association and the association's Pine Rivers, Queensland, branch has named a golf trophy in his honour.
"I think Salty's family was amazed and very proud to hear the comments passed by naval personnel present and by the many tributes from RAN and ex-RAN from all round Australia," he said. RANRU stalwart, CPOWTR Brett Quinn, said Salty's death brought to an end one man's lifetime passion for the Navy and rugby union. Salty lived and breathed Navy and Rugby, having played for various ships, establishments, Navy, Australian Combined Services, Northern Territory and first grade for his beloved Sydney club, Gordon. Salty joined the Navy in 1950. Since entry he championed in sport. Besides rugby, he was an A grade tennis player and he excelled at dancing. With his affinity with sport he became well known to PTIs, XOs, COs, commodores and admirals, always promoting games and making sure as many people could play and attend, Brett said
He became well known for his prowess on the rugby field as a no nonsense prop forward who never took a backward step and later for his writing skills, as he contributed to Navy News for 35 years with his columns Salty on Sport and Salty in the North. He managed the Queensland Country team for three years in the '90s and organised the "grudge matches" between the Golden Oldies from NSW and Queensland which were played as novelty events during the annual Mons Cup fixtures. His contribution to the game and development of Navy players was highlighted during his postings to HMAS CERBERUS and HMAS NIRIMBA. He took thousands of sailors under his wing giving them all the gospel according to Salty and helping them get onto the paddock, CPO Quinn said.
Salty also coached and on another occasion managed the combined Australian Services side and he assisted with the Navy NSW and national teams as an assistant manager through the early '90s. When RANRU began developing its Rugby Museum, Salty came to Sydney from Brisbane for six weeks to assist. His contribution was invaluable. He sought donations, contacted as many of the '50s and '60s players as could, ran the raffle on the opening night and of course donated memorabilia to make the museum and the opening night an outstanding success. Salty had other interests. He assisted the school children in Townsville who wished to participate in all sports. On one occasion a young hockey player didn't have the money for fares to Brisbane to play in the State titles. Salty funded her trip by running raffles. 
He assisted many charities and helped an Australian paraplegic member to the Olympic Games by organising raffles and writing to ships and establishments for donations by ships' funds. "Salty was a living legend," CPO Quinn said. His stature within Navy rugby is highlighted by having the Dempster Cup grand final Man of the Match trophy named in his honour since 1977. Salty will be sincerely missed, but now joins a few old mates who have also gone to watch the game they play in heaven, CPO Quinn said.
"The president, committee and all players of the Royal Australian Navy Rugby Union wish to thank Salty publicly for all he did for Navy rugby and express their deepest sympathy to Salty's family," he said. It could be said Salty never left the Navy. In his later years he just wasn't on the payroll. Right: Tarangau 1955 – l-r SA Shawyer, L/Wtr Alan Salty Eckel, SA Keith Whale
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Edgell, George Joined from Adelaide on 6Jan64. Completed OD Training ( Sydney) and posted to Lonsdale as a newly qualified WTR2 within same year. Served on the Vung Tau Ferry (Sydney) as LSWTR 67/68 and Vendetta 75/77 (PO/CPOWTR). Establishments Nirimba, Tarangau, Cerberus, Lonsdale, Huon and Albatross. Served in Cerberus from Jan 86 to Jan 2001, firstly as Personnel Officer (WOWTR) then various officer billets as LD WTR (Secretary, CIO Writers & Stewards, Catering Officer & Personnel Support Officer) before paying of as Manager Defence Corporate Support in the rank of LCDR on 7 Jan 2001.
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Eccleston, Jack
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Was 85 years old in 2001 and served pre WWII.
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Edward, Lois (NeeKermonde) -
 The Origins and Development of the RANRTF
Back in 1943 on first joining the WRANS (WR1114) at Port Melbourne, I was chosen together with another raw recruit, Dot Mallett, to work at the newly opened office in Collins St., Melbourne to work at a fund raising effort for the RAN Relief Fund.
Left: WRAN L Kermonde and Lieut A A Joel hon. organiser on 25th June 1943. Counting of buttons and badges to be sold for Navy Day appeal
It was a great experience for an 18 year old in May 1943 to report to duty to Lieut Asher Joel RANVR in charge together with Sub Lieut Price RANVR, two Able seamen, Arnold Jocumsen & Len Nancarrow. That was the whole staff although we had many volunteers and a Committee of ladies chaired by the Lady Mayoress.
It involved a lot of PR and the First Naval Member, Admiral Sir Guy Royle RN was a frequent visitor. We had many photos in the newspapers for publicity, and we made many visits to the Melbourne Town Hall in uniform to accompany various VIP's including the Admiral's Wife, Lady Royle. Our duties were mainly clerical & typing - no computers in those days to churn out many copies of letters. They were all individually typed by either Jean or myself, helped by volunteers who came after work at night. A huge march of Navy Personnel was held & badges sold in the street in the shape of a little blue anchor. It was called "Jack's Day" & I understand a similar march was held in Sydney. From memory we raised 45,000 pounds which was a good sum in those days.
At this time May 1943 many of our RAN ships had been sunk, including HMAS Sydney, Perth, Armidale, Canberra, Yarra and many small ships. There were many widows & children who were in need of assistance at that time-perhaps to tide them over until pensions arrived. From your article it appears that money which had been invested became the Services Canteen Trust Fund & was combined with other Services.
This posting lasted three months when I was later sent to Recruiting at the Olderfleet Building, then to HMAS "Moreton" for one year and then to HMAS "Kuttabul" at Garden Island, discharged in February 1946 back at Port Melbourne, HMAS Lonsdale" sadly now an enormous block of flats called 'hmas'.
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Edwards, P L Deceased early 2009
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Elsom, Lisa
(nee- Lenihan) W146532 21August 1989 – 28May 2000. Lisa joined 21 Aug 1989 and after Cerberus; Initial Writer Course she was posted to DSP; Navy Office Canberra. In Feb 1991 Lisa was promoted to SWRWTR and in August 1991 was posted to Cabarlah Borneo Barracks Qld on transfer of Category to Electronic Warfare (EW).
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Emerson, Charlit (Charlie)
Ex-CPOWTR passed away Friday 6th February 2004. Charlie was a friendly, unassuming and busy Scribe who was well liked by most.
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Estcourt, Danny Rex
 Served 1962-1983 Discharged as CPOWTR. Joined RANR 1961 as RCTWTR; transferred to permanent forces 1962. Postings and some names that come to mind include:
Cerberus: 12 months in RecruitSchool due to Writer Class cancellations etc. Clem Schmitzer, Dave Bowen of Singapore fame, Frank Shugg, Meg Yeo, Frank Brown, Eric Chocco Williams, John Flowers, Gordon Robinson then Movements Office with the Crushers and Kevin Scanlon.
Parramatta – Jim Matthews, Reg ‘Two Paycards" Wightman, Max Wilson, Peter Cooke-Russell. Lonsdale – Vin Frilay Ted Ball, George Edgell and at Tarangau – Slim Sawyer, Ian McLaughlin, Reg Gilbert, Leo Kenshole. Kuttabul – Chad Langdon, Jack Markham, Vic Farquhar, Marty McFadden, John Halpin, Bill Trott, Ron (Puff the Magic Dragon) Coon etc.
Harman Pay Office - Stanley George Cooper, Harry Warnick, Rod Wyman, Graham Dennis, Lew Horsfield, Di Dunkley, Ron Treager, Crackers Krawczyk, Andy Hamilton, Knocker White – Introduction of Group Pay.
Derwent –Ron Woolnough, Tug’Punter’ Wilson. Harman(NO) (DSP) – Mike Rayment; Mike Keay, Denis & Denise Benfield. Melville – Denise Lane, Garry Kinnear, Graham Brooks, Bruce Wansbury
Duchess – Alan Thompson, Trevor Plymin. SupplySchool Instructor – Ian Lee-Conway, Lew Smith, Dave Whelan, Ken Black, Stewie Stewart. Huon (Recruiting) – David Taylor, John Sanders, Ian Spaulding, Tess Buttery. George Edgell.
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Fairman, Les Deceased approx. 1987
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Farmer, Jim
Joined as a Recruit Writer in 1949 and served on Sydney during her time in Korea and later Lonsdale and then back to Melbourne prior to discharge on request. Petty Officer Writer on discharge.
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Farr, Kevin
Deceased approx 2000, Qld CPOWTR WWII Vet
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Fauchon, T A (TAF)
WOWTR R52864. Born at Newcastle NSW on 7 February 1940. Entered RAN on 21 March 1957. Undertook WTR Cse with Doug Higgins and John (Magoo) Magor. Discharged 21 March 1977. Ten years in RAFR.
Promotions - WTR 1958, LWTR 1960, POWTR 1962, CPOWTR 1968, WOWTR 1974
Shore Postings - Kuttabul 1958, Albatross 1958/59, Watson 1960/61, Melville 1961/63, Kuttabul 1963/64, Cerberus 1964 (POs' Cse), Penguin 1966/67, Recruiting 1967/70 (Sydney & Newcastle), Cerberus 1971/72, Penguin 1972/73, SEATO HQ, Bangkok 1973/74, Penguin 1974/75, (Cerberus WOs' Cse), FOCAF HQ 1975/76, Nirimba 1976/77. Sea Postings - Quiberon 1959/60, Quiberon 1964, Supply 1964, Vendetta 1964/66, Yarra 1970/71.
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Fehlandt, Mark
Ex LSWTR having joined in 1975 & discharged in 1981 Did time at Leeuwin then Cerberus, Albatross, Kuttabul, Brisbane & Cairns.
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Fenton, Kerry 
LWTR Served 1960-1969. Pictures: Left 2005 Right 1961. After recr uit training, he spent 1961 in Cerberus then joined the Melbourne (aircraft carrier) for his first trip "up-top" in 1962. After 12 months he was posted to Lonsdale where he was attached to the Ikara Research & Development Team working out of the Aeronautical Research Laboratories in Port Melbourne. During the 12 months in this posting he spent a considerable amount of time travelling around Melbourne in a chauffeur driven Humber Super Snipe. In February 1964 he was the first non-commissioned member posted to the Australian Embassy in Washington, DC. From Washington Kerry joined the commissioning crew of the Perth and returned home in 1966. From the Perth, he joined the Melbourne and then back to Cerberus at the end of 1967 and remained there as the XO's Scribe until he paid off.
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Fessey, Edgar John 01/06/2005
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Field, Peter
Served Albatross 2 years, Kuttabul 6 months, Arunta 12 months, Penguin S/M4 2 years.
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Finemore, Stewart POWTR 0/N. R36560. Joined the RAN on the 5th September 1948 and discharged on the 4th September 1960 on completion of 1 2 years service. On 5//09/1960 joined the RAFR for a period of five years and discharged on 4/9/1965. “I commenced recruit training at Cerberus 5/9/1948 to 9/5/1949, Class M47 F.N.D. Instructors S.C.W.O. A.Calder and CPO Wtr E. Rogers. The recruit class with names can be found in the photo section 1955. Pictured (l - 2006 R- as PO)
I was drafted to the following Shore Establishments during my time:.
Penguin 10/5/1949 to 27/8/1951. The Accounts Office Staff were: L/Cdr (S) Arthur Strang, CPOWtr Stan Cooper, LWtr Bill Creighton, Wtr II Stew Finemore and Female Typist Jill Galbraith and the Ships Office Ledgers crew were: S.C. W.O. Lyall Adolphe Bock, CPOWtr Cliff (Froggy) French, CPOWtr Norm Scully, LWtr Jack Sherwood, Wtr. Harvey Baulch, Wtr II Jack Medaris LWtr. John Levy, Wtr Des Bright, Wtr.John Emery, C.P.O.Wtr. Nos Parker Wtr II Gordon (Googer) Gent, Wtr Brian (Fingers) Cairns, Wtr Gordon (Flash) Reinhart, CPOWtr G. Coyne, Wtr II Brian Wriggles and others
Melville 28/8/1951 to 2/9/1952: Accounts/Ships Office Staff: L/Cdr (S) Allan MacFarlane / L/Cdr (S) George Streeter. P.O.Wtr.Ross Eastlake -Smith, Wtr Stew Finemore and Civilian Female Typist. (Stew promoted to Leading Writer (1951). Captains Office Staff: L/Wtr. Ross Dalrymple.
Albatross 3/9/1952 to 8/3/1955.Ships Office Ledgers Staff: Cdr (S) W. (Bushy Bill) Graham / Cdr (S) R Watson S/Lt (S.D.) Neville Turk, P.O.Wtr John Emery, P.O.Wtr. Barrie Murray, C.P.O.Wtr Cliff (Froggy) French, P.O.Wtr Brian (Fingers) Cairns, P.O.Wtr Ted Quinn, P.O.Wtr Stew Finemore , P.O.Wtr Harry Bird, P.O.Wtr.K (Lofty) O'Connell, L/Wtr Rick Mc Coster, Wtr, Blue Campbell, Wtr Frank Gribble, Wtr. Steve Friel, Wtr.M McNamara, Wtr. Paddy Hall, C.P.O.Wtr Rag Riddet, P.O.Wtr: George Petersen,. P/O Wtr (Iordnn (Flash) Reinthart, P.O.Wtr Jack Markham, L/Wtr Pat Barrat, P.O. Wtr Jack Connellan, Wtr. John Kindness, Wtr Bill Monoghan, L/Wtr Bob Bryce, Wtr. Desmond (Shiner)Bright, P0 Wtr. Taffy Cliffe and others.
Kuttabul (Ships In. Reserve) 28/9/1957 to 1/11/1957. Captains Office Staff S/Lt(S.D.) Nick Carter, P.O Wtr Stew Finemare, WtrRay Bragge,Wtr John Blain.
Penguin 12/11/1957 to 26/5/1959. Captain's Office Central Registry and Ledger. C.P.O.Wtr Laurie Benstead, C.P.O.Wtr Ray Morgan, P.O.Wtr Bob Miller, L/Wtr Malcolm Hodgson, Wran Wtr Judy O'Brien (McAuliffe), PO.Wtr "Bomber"Atkins, PO Wtr Keith Hook, Wtr Blue Pell, CPO Wtr Norman Scully, S/Lt Brian Wriggles, and others.
Rushcutter 24/5/1960 to 4/9/1960 Commander R.C.Savage R.A.N. Captain's Secretary - R.A.N.R Training Depot.
Sea Drafts consisted of:.
Warramunga - 17/2/1956 to 3/2/1957 - New Zealand Tour and Yachting Control Ship for 1956 Olympic Games.
Staff: L/Cdr (S) William Allen, P.O.Wtr Stew Finemore, Wtr.Martv Minogue & P.O.Wtr Brian Rae.
Barcoo 4/211.957 to 27/94957
Warramunga 27/5/1959 to 10/12/1959 - Princess Alexandria Barrier Reef Tour.
Staff: L/Cdr (S) Bruce Carrington, P.0, Wtr Stew Finemore, Wtr. Hadgi Barber and POWtr Kevin Kingsford. (Warramunga paid off into reserve)
Warrego 11/12/1959 to 23/5/1960
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Fisher, Charles Vincent ‘ Charlie’ deceased 1976
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Flockton, Stephen (Steve)
R121965. Joined the Navy on 12 Apr 1977 as a JR at Leeuwin (59th intake Stevenson Division). Took optional discharge on 23 Apr 1988 as LSWTR. Served at Cerberus (training), Watson, Harman(NO) (twice), Albatross (twice), Creswell, Kuttabul and Fleet Headquarters and Ships Swan (1980 – 1982) and Adelaide (1986 – 1987).
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Fogo, Stuart Hedley
R64621. Joined RAN 26/08/1965 as an adult recruit from Perth at Cerberus. Paul Paech (recently deceased) was the only scribe in my intake. On completion of training was categorised as a Clearance Diver (CD) and posted Rushcutter for bubbly acceptance course. On completion of course posted Melbourne for ORDCD training and then back toRushcutter for ABCD course.
In 1968 after two diving accidents was categorised permanently medically unfit to dive and was offered a free discharge or transfer to SN. Navy Office finally agreed on transfer to scribe and posted to Cerberusfor scribes course (Ron Dalgleish instructor). On CC posted to Carrier Air Group Scribe (Albatross/Melbourne). In 1969 was embarked on Melbourne when collision with USS Frank E Evans occurred.
In Jan 1970 posted to Tarangau(Manus Island) as PNG Patrol Boat Squadron scribe. When not embarked on Aitape I shared an office, among other things with “The Wog”.
In Jan 71 commenced the first of two five year postings at Leeuwin (JRTE/NOCWA), my Home Port. Dec 75 as a PO toPerth as Captains Secretary and then after numerous ‘paper’ postings, thanks to Glen MacAndrews, back to Leeuwin in Oct 76 as a CPO. In Feb 82 promoted to WO (16.5 years service) and posted NO (first time I finally succumbed to become ONE OF THEM) and took up the billet of WO Promotions in DSP.
In Jun 84, was selected for the Tri Service billet as the WO to the Head of Australian Defence Staff, Australian Embassy, Washington, DC. During this period the LEUT SDLD Scheme was introduced. I was offered promotion (along with Ted Hase) but it entailed returning to Australia ASAP. As I was only 18 months into a 3 year posting I declined and elected to remain in the States. I was informed it was a ‘one off’ offer and that I wouldn’t be offered again. However when due to RTA it was offered again with the same posting preferences. This time I accepted and was posted as a LEUT to DNSC, NO. In Aug 88 after 23 years service I resigned from the RAN.
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Follerr, Judith Geraldine Deceased 2006
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Francis, Lyn Karen Deceased 26/09/2007
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Free, Jo (nee Pfeifer)
Joined the RAN in Sept 86 (GE27), and did the Basic Writers Course in Jan-May 87 (Writers 18). Went to Navy Office where I started at DNMP (Naval Manning Policy), then moved across to CNS and worked for VADM MacDougall. Promoted to LS and moved downstairs to Accounts. Moved to Albatross in Jan 93 and worked in Accounts again, then ran the Admin Office at AWSC (Air Warfare Systems Centre) where I had lots of goes on the helicopter simulators - lots of fun. Moved up to Coonawarra in 1996 did Advanced Writer training and was promoted to PO, worked in Facilities at Coonawarra. Went on mat leave and paid off in August 1997.
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Friend, Stephen MacQuarie
 R132212. Ex POWTR. I joined as a just 16yo JR on 6 Oct 82 to run away from school. After completing JR school (and my HSC in 9 months), I went to sunny Cerberus for WTR school and then to NIRIMBA for my 1st posting in Sep 82. After 2 years there being trained in all aspects of writering by the likes of McAndrews, Eagles, Russell, McAndie, Irwin & Biddle to name a few, I posted to Success Standby Crew working in exotic places like Zetland and Co-Dock.
After 6 months of setting up the ship’s stores and initial registry, I swap posted onto Cook as the Pay / Accounts WTR for 14 months. This was my 1st sea posting and the 1st time the ship crossed the line. What a blast!! I then got sentenced to 18 months in Navy Office and did penance in DNMP, DNOP and a little time at Harman. The opportunity presented itself for a posting to Coonawarra in Aug 87 and how could you say no!!! In those days Coonawarra was the “Gold” posting and the 2 years there were some of the best days in the mob.
Upon promotion to LSWTR in Aug 89, I left the then “Jewel in the Navy’s Crown” and did 6 months at Kuttabul before being crash posted to Tobruk. This was not a bad thing as I got to do the 75th Anniversary Gallipoli trip. What a run, the Seychelles, Egypt, Turkey, Greece and more, although I still think we still could have missed Karachi!!! Leaving Tobruk in Jul 91, I ended up at WATSON under the guidance of James Cornell O’naca – a time I will never forget!!! Just short of 2 years doing the Gosford – Wato Bay treck daily, saw me win the job at the ADFWC at RAAF Williamtown. This was a tri-service unit which was an eye opener, but what a fun time. This gig ran for almost 3 years.
Promoted to POWTR out of ADFWC, I spent the next 3 ½ years at ALBATROSS doing time in both HS816 Sqn where I played Admino for 2 years and PSO Nowra where I did removals. Back to sea (of sorts) in May 99, when I went to KANIMBLA. It took until Dec 00 for the ship to let go the head rope, but the 14 nights I did at sea on it in the 20 months I were there were grand!!! Finally after 12 log years it was back to COONAWARRA where I was Perso until Jun 02, when the DFRDB thing won over and I paid off to go stay with defence, as a Public Servant in Darwin.
In just over 4 years with the APS, I completed jobs such as: Manager of the ADF Transition Centre, Manager of the Larrakeyah Customer Service Centre and Manager Human Resource Development. I also completed a number of higher positions on Additional Responsibility Pay including Administrative Services Manager for CSI NT/K and Business Improvement Project Manager. I was also a member of the national Customer Service Centre Implementation Team and MPAC SOP Writing Team.
In September 2006 I departed Defence to commence as the ESS Site Manager, at McArthur River Mine in remote NT, delivering all catering, accommodation, tavern, cleaning and housekeeping services for the client. In June 2007 I transferred to ShoreBase as their Site Manager at Maxwell Creek, a forestry camp located on Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands. I have since left this role and recently commenced the position of OH&S Co-Ordinator with Great Southern Limited, the forestry client at Maxwell Creek. Still married to Michelle after 19 years and we have 4 lovely children.
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Gallagher, Darren 
Joined 14/03/1994. Part of the WTR107 CSE. Trained by Russ Angus, the notorious Andy Burt and Glenda Irvin. Posted to Harman Ships Office in 09/1994, Darren established great friendships with WTRS. Adam Kalman, Abi Dean, Pat Mills, Leonie Dunbar. Not to mention Big Bret Saunders.
Darren recalls the first words of advice that CPO Saunders ever gave him as a baby scribe. "Gags, Don't eat yellow snow. Don't Pee into the wind.
And be good to your mum." The first sea draft came in 12/1995, when Darren was posted to Moresby for it's final two years. Jodie Fuller, Adam Neagle and Baden "Banaman" Holmes (the latter of whom posted on in 97 for the decommissioning year. Baden having been on Darren's Initial Writers Course). Darren then posted to DSCM where he lounged as File Manager and Part Time SO DSCM. Darren left the Scribe Branch in 1999. He says as at 20AUG07, of all the scribes in WTR107 Course - It is believed that not one of them are still scribbling just 13 years after walking into that musty classroom in 1994. Not one to let go of those WTR habits, Darren is now an Administration Officer in the RAAF.
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Gieger, John ‘Jack’ Deceased.
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Gent, Gordon Alexander (Googa)
Joined 7th March 1949 at Lonsdale. Thence to Cerberus for naval lore instruction by education officers and writer training at supply school (now naval museum); Latrobe (Minesweeper) for two weeks seamanship training which included a trip through the RIP to Williamstown.
Posted to: Penguin 1950/52, Australia (County Class Cruiser) 1952-53, Cerberus 1953-54, Promoted to LWTR and posted Kuttabul (FOICEA) 1954-56. Queenborough (Fox 1) 1956-57, Strategic Reserve. Naval General Service Medal, De-commissioning of Commonwealth, Kure Japan (one of the long as trips 18 months), Watson 1951-58, Kuttabul 1958-59, Melbourne 1959-60, Kuttabul(FOICEA), 1960-61 Dee 6 March 1961.
Re-entered 28 May 1963— Cerberus/Albatross then Parramatta 1963-64, Sydney (FOCAF) 1964, Promoted POWTR 3/04/1964, Kuttabul(FOICEA)1964 -65, Sydney (Nung Tau Ferry) 1965 -66, Nirimba 1966-67, Kuttabul (fleet Staff) 1967-70, Awarded LS & GCM in 1968, Posted NSO COMAFV 1970. Promoted CPOWTR Aug 1970. Penguin (A/Sec) 1971-72, Navy recruiting 1972-74, Kuttabul (Pay office) 1974-75, Duchess (Captain’s Secretary) until discharge by request on 25 December 1975.
Medals Awarded -Australian Active Service Medal with Vietnam & Malaya Clasps Naval General Service Medal with Malaya Clasp (Imperial Award), Vietnam Campaign Medal,Australian Service Medal with Strategic Reserve Clasp, Defence Medal, Australian National Medal, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Medal, HMAS Sydney Vietnam Commemorative Medal, Vietnam Logistic Support Medal
Chief Writer sounds Bugle Calls at Naval and other Ceremonial occasions!!. 
Before enlisting in the RAN in 1949, Gordon (Googa) Gent played the Comet in the Warmambool City Band, (not too well he says).
However, with diligent practice he attained a level of competency which enabled him to be invited to sound the appropriate Bugle Calls at several Naval Ceremonial occasions including — Admiral's Inspection, Kuttabul, in 1955, - sounding the Alert and Carry On upon the visit of an RN Cruiser in June / July 1955. Sounding the Last Post and Reveille at the Australian and New Zealand Consulates on Anzac Day, 1970, in Saigon, South Vietnam. As CPOWTR (picture left) he sounded the Last Post and Reveille at a ceremony conducted at a War Cemetery at Ambon, Indonesia, on Anzac Day 1975, during an operational visit to the area by Duchess.
Gordon's efforts in 1955 prompted Commander Brian Wriggles to recommend payment of Bugler's Allowance to him, alas the recommendation was not approved I'm sad to report thus consigning Gordon to forever blowing his own Trumpet (Bugle) for the remainder of his service without any monetary reward. Reliable sources advise that he did this quite well too!!
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Gibson, Peter Denhame passed away on the 1st October 2009. Born 4th September 1926 in Malvern Victoria. Peter was in the Reserves and  joined the PNF 9th January 1945. His official number was PM 7913. He underwent training at Cerberus and then posted to Moreton. On the 22nd April he joined Magnetic and then transferred to Madang the base in New Guinea. Joined MSL 705 on 23/11/1945 and early January 1946 USS ATTU before joining Lonsdale where he stayed until he was demobbed 10th January 1947. He was paid £22.1.0 for 30 days re-establishment leave and also £13.4.0 in lieu of 18 days leave.
Peter's naval record was read out by the RSL Representative, Errol Driver Peter's Recollection of War Service: As with most veterans Peter seemed to remember the lighter incidents of war and the importance of connections with home.
Once crewing his own ships boat, they unexpectedly encountered a small Japanese party in a boat up a river and gave chase but without success as the Japs had a better turn of speed - no damage done to either side!!
However there was better success one night watching outdoor movies on a beach - noticed 2 extra pairs of eyes watching from rear - Peters crew subsequently captured 2 Japanese soldiers who were probably trying to steal food - not watch the film.
Peter served on 2 US Navy ships and experienced better rations than Australian. As good food was important it's possible obsolete RAN stores were traded for American rations in the true Aussie Serviceman's tradition of scrounging.
The family recall Peter's real highlight was receiving care packages from Loyce - beautiful big boiled fruit cakes with very thick icing - which Peter shared with his shipmates using his bayonet to cut through the icing. (About Loyce: In 1943 though, at just 17 years of age, whilst trying to drive a hard bargain with some bloke to buy a set of skates at St Moritz ice skating rink in St Kilda, Gibbo who played ice hockey, had the most amazing stroke of luck, he was introduced to a figure skater named Loyce Turpin. That was the first meeting that began a relationship that was to last more than 66 years. Loyce wrote to him every week while he was in the Navy.)
When the war ended, Gibbo returned to Australia and after spending time at Heidelberg Repat overcoming malaria he had contracted in New Guinea, he began work as a clerk at Radio Corp. Awarded the Pacific Star War Medal
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Gilbert, Henry John Deceased 19/06/2001
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Gilbert, Reg ‘Punchy’ Deceased 12.07/2004
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Gill, John
Joined as a Junior Recruit in July 1977. Completed Basic Writer Course Oct 1978. Promoted ABWTR Oct 1979. Promoted LSWTR Apr 1982. Promoted POWTR Sep 1987. Promoted SBLT Jun 1994. Promoted LEUT Jun 1997. Transferred to RANR Oct 1998. To be promoted LCDR RANR Jan 2008
Served on HMAS FLINDERS (1980-82) and HMAS TOBRUK (1986-87) Shore postings HMAS LEEUWIN (1977-78), HMAS CERBERUS (1978, 1988, 1995), HMAS HARMAN (1978-79, 1982-84, 1987-88, 1992-98), HMAS WATSON (1979-80), HMAS CRESWELL (1980, 1994), HMAS ALBATROSS (1984-86, 1991), DRFC BRISBANE (1988-90).
Probably best known as a Scribe for having been posted to DSP/DSCM Promotion Cell as SMNWTR, LSWTR, POWTR. More infamous as Manager - Navy Uniforms (as RAN, RANR and APS).
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Gillies, Maxwell
Deceased. Joined first of February 1953. Posted Cerberus on entry on and Kuttabul 23rd of July 1953. Subsequent postings to Albatross, Penguin, Fremantle, Junee, Lonsdale, Cerberus, Melville, Vendetta and also spent some years in Harman ( NO). Promoted LSWTR 01/02/1957, Petty Officer sixth November 1959 and to Chief Writer 15th of October 1965.
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Giveen, Ron
I joined the Navy as a JR in 63 with intention of becoming a PTI, told, within two months of joining that we were the cream of Australia's youth, and believed it. Told it was a young man's Navy and believed that also. Like so many others currently in the Puss I am now nearly 63 (well three years to go) and the Navy is still silly enough to employ me.
Served in Melbourne on three occasions; Brisbane, Parramatta,Canberra and Success. Have done relief work for a couple of months at a time on Newcastle and Success. Have never arrived at a Navy Office posting, though did enjoy a stint at Harman in 67-68. I spent most of my time ashore at Kuttabul and loved every moment of it. Some may think my involvement with sport, predominantly Rugby kept me at Kuttabul and in the Navy, I think they are right.
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Glendenning, Alf Deceased 23/12/2003
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Golding, Ted
The article about the two members of the crew of Sydney was most interesting as I knew both of them in 1939/40 down at FND. PO Frank Mordaunt and Chief Len Whitfield were both gentlemen. Frank taught me to keep a ledger in those days, we learnt on the job -- no supply school. Frank lived in Frankston, (i.e. native) he wrote a motorbike. It was a bike with an electric self starter, very rare in those days. In 1940 I was told the Chief Writer in the drafting office wanted to see me. So went down to the drafting office and he informed me that I was top of the list for sea and two ships wanted a Writer. “Bungaree and Australia”; as Australia was operating out of Liverpool. That's the one I chose, the next week I went to Port Melbourne to join Largs Bay for England
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Goodieson, Alex 
R47198. Joined the RAN on 17/03/1952 from the small country town of Red Cliffs in North West Victoria. Following basic training I joined Writers Course No. 10 with CPOWTR Shamus O’Brien as our instructor. Other members of the class were Bill Monoghan, Max Gillies, John Kindness, Frank Gribble, Ross Tilney, Brenda Barker and others. On completion of the course was posted to Cerberus (Accounts Office) and remained there until posted to Nirimba in July 1953.
Nirimbawas then the Fleet Air Arm maintenance depot RANAMEB and my billet was fair ledger keeper to POWTR Tom Bourke. RANAMEB was transferred back to Nowra on 01/03/1955 (Nirimba decommissioned and subsequently recommissioned as the Apprentice Training Establishment), so it was back to Cerberus as a Writer in the Captain’s Office for a short stint until posted to Sydney(Carrier) in June 1955 as the offsider to a true gentleman, Eddie Stokes, LTSDW, in the Personnel Office.
After a short period of exercises in Jervis Bay, etc. Sydney returned to Garden Island for a minor refit period. Soon after docking in the Captain Cook Graving Dock the dockyard workers went out on strike. The ship remained in dock for the 3 month duration of the strike with no refit work progressed. Life onboard became very uncomfortable to say the least. Most of the period of my first sea posting was spent at GI Dockyard; however, we did get a trip to Fiji and New Zealand before returning to Cerberus in September 1956. As a LWTR in Central Registry worked with POWTR Doug Pyers and WRANWTR Cynthia Gregory. It was during this time I met and began courting my wife to be, WRAN WTR Esther Robertson who worked in the new recruits Service Certificate Office (Captain’s Office 2) with LWTR Peter Samuels (Sammy).
In February 1958 joined Lonsdale to stand-by nuship Vendetta which was in her latter stages of construction and fit-out at Williamstown Dockyard. The standby crew at that time consisted of two Marine Engineer Officers, the Electrical Engineer Officer; three CPO’s an ME and I. It was my task to provide secretarial support to the Engineers, set up the ships filing system and outfit the Ship’s Office with stationary and forms etc, to ensure the office would be fully functional on commissioning day. As the sea trials progressed the standby crew grew in numbers and we all commuted daily between Lonsdale and Williamstown, initially in a Land Rover then buses until Vendettacommissioned on 26/11/1958.
The Ship’s Office Staff included Cmdr G. Campbell as SO. LTSDW V. Pilkington, Secretary, myself and WTR George Petersen with POWTRIan McLaughlin and WTR ? keeping the Pay Cards. After a fairly extensive work-up followed by self maintenance periods etc Vendettadeparted Sydney for a 9 month deployment to the Far East Strategic Reserve in the latter half of 1959. The time spent on Vendetta was most rewarding. Life on a destroyer proved vastly different to that experienced on an aircraft carrier - there was much less formality and due to the smaller crew numbers, all knew each other and a greater sense of camaraderie existed. Vendettavisited - Noumea, PNG, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Malaya, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan and the Philippines,all fabulous places for a young lad from the bush to explore. The ship completed her FESR duty in mid 1960.
On 31/08/1960 joined Navy Office, Director of Sailors Postings as the POWTR (promoted 6/11/59) to CPOWTR Col Duff who was in charge of the Supply & Secretariat/Fleet Air Arm/ Medical & Band - Posting Section. Little did I realise this was to be my apprenticeship as there were to be two more occasions I would return to the same Section. The job was interesting and at times quite challenging. Unlike today, all the staff in the Posting Office were Scribes - both sailors and WRANS.
Esther, who had paid-off from the WRAN’s in January 1960, came to Canberra shortly after I arrived and gained employment as a civilian in Navy Office. We were married in February 1961 and allocated a house in the new suburb of DOWNER. We subsequently purchased the house and still live there.
On 28/02/1962 Esther and I departed for two and a half years in the Philippines having been posted as Assistant to the Armed Services Attach at the Australian Embassy in Manila. This was a great experience and again somewhat different to the normal Scribe duties. During our stay we hosted a party each year for the Scribes from the Australian ships partaking in the annual SEATO Exercises. No doubt some of the Scribes would have been a little worse for wear the next day observing the volume of San Miguel beer consumed. The names of those who attended escape me now but it was evident they enjoyed themselves.
June 1964 saw me back in DSP’s Office, again as the POWTR on the Supply & Secretariat Posting Section and until February 1966 worked to three CPOWTR’s Ken Hall, John Cummins and Lindsay Web. On promotion to Chief on 4/02/1966 took charge of the Section until 30/10/1966 when posted to Melbourne (Aircraft Carrier) in charge of the Pay Office.
Melbourne visited the usual Far East Asian ports and Japan and tookpart in the RIMPAC Exercise in Hawaii. Also before leaving Melbourne in December 1967 the ship went to the USA to collect the Navy’s new Skyhawk and Tracker aircraft and various munitions. It was hard work with all hands on deck while the stores were being loaded and secured, but the crew was adequately compensated with generous leave in the ports of San Diego, Norfolk Island. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver (Canada) and Hawaii on the way home. My crew in the Pay Office included such notables as POWTR Barry Clements and WTR’s Wog Watson and Mick Scully.
On 5/12/1967 I was back in my old seat in charge of the S & S Posting Section (we also still had the Fleet Air Arm, Medico’s and Bandies) and remained until 17/10/1971. During this period there were several significant changes within the RAN. Service records of members were computerised. A new legal and discipline code system was introduced. The Kerr/Woodward Inquiry into the Armed Services Pay and Conditions, which recommended the Group Pay System, was completed. Warrant Officer rank was reintroduced into the RAN. Most of these events imposed a new learning curve for the
Writer Branch as the Scribes adapted to those changes. Many of these changes obviously imposed further tasks in the Posting Office. There was the ongoing need to select and have trained crew members for the RAN’s new Submarine Service, the increasing requirement for training in the USA of sailors required to fill billets in ships being built in the US. and the continuous ferry and supply ship runs to Vietnam at the time.
About July 1971, being due for sea service, was asked if I would like to go to Vampire as the Captain’s Secretary when the ship recommissioned later in the year, following her mid-life modernisation. The Secretary billet in the Daring’s had been redesignated as a WOWTR billet in the planning arrangements and it was known that I would be promoted on the reintroduction of WO’s into the RAN. Naturally the chance to serve in a Daring Class Destroyer again was quickly accepted.. Captain Geoffrey Woolrych, was the Captain designate and he subsequently proved to be an exceptional CO to work to. Joined Lonsdale on 18/10/1971 then Vampire on recommissioning 17 November and promoted to WO on 17/12/1971.
On 1/01/1972 it was a surprised to learn I had been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Years Honours List. The citation read ‘For outstanding service in the Royal Australian Navy particularly in the Sailors Posting Section in Navy Office.’ While it was deeply humbling to receive the award I was well aware that ones success in almost any endeavour very much depended on the qualities and skills of the people around and assisting you. I remain forever indebted to all those who had worked with me as I consider their contribution over the years was instrumental in me receiving the award.
All was proceeding well in Vampire until April 1972. Advice was received that on further consideration in Navy Office, on the final allotments of WO billets. Vampire lost both her WO’s, the Secretary and the WOCOXN. CPOWTR Brian Tucker was my replacement.
I was transferred to fill the billet of SO PAY in Melbourne until 22/01/1973 then posted to Cerberus to undergo the Warrant Officer Management and Service Knowledge Course. The time in Melbourne was rather routine professionally however the time passed reasonably quickly as we went to Hawaii for RIMPAC again then across the Pacific to Guam and Japan and the rest of SE Asia.
In the latter part of 1972 was offered a 3 year secondment to the Dept of Defence to fill a billet in the newly established Defence Force Industrial Branch (DFIB). DFIB was established by the Government of the day accepting recommendations of the Kerr/Woodward Inquiry, that such a branch be instituted and staffed jointly by officers at various rank levels from the three services on an equal basis with civilian officers, tasked with the responsibility of formulating Pay, Allowances and Conditions policy covering the three Armed Services.
On 2/04/1973 joined the staff of DFIB and was allotted a position in the Overseas Allowances and Conditions Section. This posting was a challenge which proved to be most interesting and very rewarding. My understanding is that this was the first time uniformed service personnel had any real broad input to the policy making process on pay and conditions of the Service to which they belonged. At the end of my term with the Branch commonality between the three Services had not been fully achieved but it was evident that each of the Sections within the Branch had settled into routines which promoted sensible and logical discussion with realistic policy evolving at an increasing pace. No doubt much progress has been achieved between then and now - Let’s hope so.
Following completion of my secondment to Defence received a posting to Cerberus. Having completed 24 years service at that time, with a young 8 year old son settled in the Canberra schooling system, a move south was not appealing. After due consideration of the future my resignation was tendered and accepted, effective 30/04/1976.
In the foregoing a few Scribes have been mentioned but there are many more I have worked with over the years, and to them and my going ashore friends, I wish you all long lives with good health and happiness in the future. After leaving the Navy I worked as a Parliamentary Officer in the Department of the House of Representatives in the Federal Parliament for 15 years eventually retiring in 1991.
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Gorringe, Brian K.
 Captain RAN (Ex CPOWTR). Joined Leeuwin in January 1963 (6th intake) as a Junior Recruit II at 15 and after six months, advanced to the dizzy heights of a JR1. A further six months later, passed out in December 1963. (The 6th intake was the first to proceed to sea as Ordinary Seaman for Communal Sea Training.) Served in Vampire for 18 months as an ordinary seaman for two deployments to S.E.Asia (scribes onboard at the time were Lew Horsefield, Bob Baird, Ian Dalgleish, and Ralph Dingle). Besides the normal ORD’s duties, worked as the Coxswain’s Office writer for CPOCOXN Peter Grant and CPOCOXN Stewart. After Vampire, was posted to Cerberus for the WTR’s course in July 1965 (scribes Wayne Butterfield, Helmut Pieda, P.J.Walsh, P.J. Sutton, Mal Ritchie, Peter Horrocks, Guy Jennings were among them) On completion of the course, posted to Penguin and worked in the Captain’s Office (CPOWTR Ron Woolnough, Mick Gleaves, ‘Bulkhead’ Wall, and A.Keily ) After only few months at Penguin, went back to sea again in Yarra (pay and accounts) for another S.E. Asia deployment (Brian Cairns was the CPOWTR, the killick writers were ‘Wog’ Watson and ‘Chuck’ Trafford and the other scribe was Gus De Bakker.) Promotion followed in Yarra to A/LWTR in August 1966.
In August 1966, was posted to 817 Squadron at Albatross for the next two years. Embarked in Melbourne twice, (April to August 1967 and January to April 1968), then posted to Watson, working with CPOWTR ‘Tammy’ Mooney and POWTR ‘Salty’ Eckel. Also there were scribes Paul Healy, Alan and Dennis Robinson, Bernie McKay, Steve Smythe, Laurie Buchanan and Bruce Hambour. In February 1969, was loaned to Cerberus for the PO’s Course and promoted to A/POWTR at Watson. Later that year, in November 1969, was posted to the UK for two years at HMS Dolphin to look after the Australian Submariners. The main job was to handle their pay and accounts, SCs, administration and liaison duties together with the occasional sea trip in RN submarines. Whilst at Dolphin, qualified in the Submarine Escape Training Tank, qualified for CPOWTR and academically and professionally for Commission Rank on the SD List. Some of the scribes in Australia House at the time were CPOWTR John Gamble and POWTR ‘Bulldog’ Drummond. On completion of the posting, returned to Australia in the cruise ship, Himalaya, which departed from Southampton for Holland, Portugal, Canary Islands, Cape Town, Durban, Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. It was a tough sea draft.
A short posting to Albatross in early 1972 in the Accounts office was followed by a transfer to Canberra to the Directorate of Naval Manpower and Planning. In August 1972, was promoted to CPOWTR. Two months later was commissioned to the Special Duties list as an Acting Sub Lieutenant (Writer).
After two years as a Supply Sub Lieutenant (SD), promoted to Lieutenant SD and remained in Navy office as the Secretary to the Director of Naval Officers’ Postings. In 1976, was the runner up to Lieutenant (later Rear Admiral) Kevin Scarce for the Peter Mitchell Prizeman for that year and in 1976 was selected for the General List.
Appointments as a Junior Officer included service in Navy and Maritime Headquarters, Hobart (DDG, as DSO and SO) with scribes Barrie Howe, Wally Bristow, Ray Hamilton, Tony Holms and David McGinn, Cook (AOG, as the commissioning SO) with ‘Crash’ Kennedy, Brisbane (DDG, as SO) with scribes ‘Rocky’ Stone, Andy Hobbs, Kel Turner, Brett Quinn, ‘Dutchy’ van Wetering and ‘Butch’ Cassidy, Williamstown Naval Dockyard, the Recruiting Centre, the Customer Services Manager at the Navy Supply Centre, Zetland and attending the Staff Course at the Royal Naval Staff College, Greenwich, UK.
On completion of Staff College training, remained in the United Kingdom on the Defence Staff at the Australian High Commission, London. On return to Australia, served as the Secretary to The Fleet Commander which was followed by a posting to HMAS Watson as the Supply Officer.
In 1988, was loaned to the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet Ceremonial Department in preparation for the posting as the Equerry to Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York, during the 1988 Royal Tour of Australia. Attended Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York during her subsequent private tour of Australia. On completion of the Royal Tour, was posted to Navy Headquarters, Canberra, as the Assistant Director of Naval Officers Postings (Supply). Following this posting, was appointed the Naval Officer Commanding South Australia and Commanding Officer HMAS Encounter in June 1991. He was later appointed an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor-General of Australia.
From 1994 to 1999, he was posted to the Australian Defence Headquarters and held positions of Director of Attaché Management and Director of Protocol/Foreign Military Liaison and Visits. In April 1999, was appointed as the Military ADC to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand, for the 1999 Royal Tour of Australia. In June 1999, transferred to the Naval Reserve to take up the appointment as the Deputy Official Secretary to His Excellency Sir Eric Neal AC CVO, the Governor of South Australia. After Sir Eric Neal retired as Governor in December 2001, returned to the Navy on full time service in 2002 and was appointed as the Deputy Director Senior Officer Management in the Headquarters of the ADF.
In 2004, he was promoted to T/Captain and was the Escort Officer to HRH Prince Feisal of Jordan during his Royal Tour of Australia. The following year, appointed as the Defence Attaché to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, resident in Riyadh. In December 2006 was selected for promotion and confirmed in the rank of Captain. As at 2007, he continues to hold the Defence Attaché position.
On The Queen’s Birthday 1999 Honours List, he was appointed a Member in the Military Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for: “Exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy and to the Australian Defence Force as the Naval Officer Commanding South Australia/Commanding Officer HMAS Encounter, and as the Director of Foreign Military Liaison and Visits.”
A commendation was received from the Royal Thai Air Force in 1996 for outstanding service and support to the Thailand Defence Force.
Captain Gorringe is married to Roma and they have two adult children, Adrian and Megan.
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Gostlow, Peter
Ex CPOWTR R107952. Joined navy in January 1970 and was in Morrow Division at HMAS Leeuwin. Discharged in January 1991. Most memorable occasion was when a bunch of fellow writers joined me for my bucks weekend, when we hired two houseboats on the Hawkesbury River. It was some weekend. Since discharge, I spent six months as a security guard and two years as Admin Officer for Employer Federation. I began as a driver and conductor on Old Glenelg Trams in 1994, then became supervisor and trainer and as at 2003, I am TransAdelaide Senior Safety and Training Officer (OHS&W and Quality Systems).
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Gourlay, Simon
Ex-writer now serving as Command Legal Officer (LEUT) at Stirling. Joined Jan 1973, Morrow 42nd then Writer's course in 1974. I noted with interest some of the people I actually served with, Bob Baird (a hard but effective task master as I needed lots of coaching with pay issues), Mick Kelleher (Harman pay office), Peter Hassell, Russ Nelson, LEUT Les Roberts, DSO (Creswell) Dave Groves, Rod Laycock, John Kent and Allan Hardy (HMAS Brisbane) Ray Hamilton, Kevin Drinkwater (FOCAF).
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Grantins, John
Joined 02/07/1966 - Discharged 01/07/1986 from Watson as POWTR. Served Harman,Sydney, Tarangau, Albatross,Platypus, Kuttabul (Fleet Supply),Tarangau/Basilisk, Stalwart, Watson. Highlights include 2 postings to Manus Island (Tarangau/Basilisk).
My first posting to Navy Office (Jack Conellan and Les Beresford in the mentors chairs),sea legs followed on Sydney with ferry trips to Vung Tau in the process. 1971-72 spent in tropical sublimes of Manus Island aka Tarangau for a 2 year spell. Back to Australia and ducking and weaving through choppers and planes at Albatross. After this it was back to Tarangau for another 2 years. One of the extra curricular highlights of this tour (after organising a football festival of all codes with teams from all over Manus and several outlying Islands.) was an invitation from the District Commissioner to organise all the sports for the island for Independence Day celebrations. It was a lot of hard yakka but quite a buzz. Back in Oz I posted to Fleet Supply after which I went to a different world – the world of the submariner at Platypus. Sea legs were again stretched on Melbourne followed by a posting to Building 216 Stalwart. I must say (modestly of course) it was an honourable achievement to co-produce the only cruise book ever for the Stalwart after a 3 month tour of Oz, Singapore, Sri Lanka and India. After Stalwart I came back to Platypus surfacing for fresh air for my final 3 yrs of 20 at HMAS WATSON.
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Grayson, Karen
Was a LSWTR and in the Navy from 85-94 and did full time reserve in 95 and 96.
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Green, Ronald John Deceased 23/12/2003
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Green, Sandra Michelle 
Nee Paul Date of entry was 2 April 1968, discharged 20 August 1969, Number W104313.
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Greenhow, Steve Joined October 1972 in the 41st Junior Recruit intake. Postings were Leeuwin, Anzac,Cerberus,Nirimba,Parramatta  (RIMPAC75), Leeuwin. Then a crash draft to Diamantina, followed by Leeuwin, Perth (Indian Ocean Deployment with CAPT Adrian Cummings), Harman (NO) then to CDT3 (SASR Swanbourne)and finally discharged PUNS in 1985 after exciting three years at Swanbourne
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Gribble, Frank Vincent
P/N R46008. Joined Cerberus as a RCT Clerk 13/09/1951 and rated WTR II 13/3/1952. Did not enter the RAN until 10/09/1952. Platypus 24/4/1953, Albatross 7/10/1954, Vengeance 2/5/1955 and Melbourne 26/10/1955. Albatross 13/5/1956, Kuttabul 22/7/1957, Sydney 13/1/1958, Albatross 13/5/1958 , Penguin 28/5/1958 for discharge 10/9/1958.
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Grieve, Lyn
(Nee McClelland) Joined February 1971, discharged February 1979. Lyn was a WRWTRST and was discharged as a LWRWTRST. Lyn was probably on one on the last ST's to leave the Navy. Because of her ST category, promotion beyond LWRWTRST was not possible. Lyn was Steno/Sec for the Chief of Naval Staff for 8 years. Service Cerberus, Harman (NO) and Encounter (Recruiting).
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Grieve, Peter
Joined RAN September 1972 , Discharged February 1979 , Rank on discharge LSWTR , Writers course at Cerberus 2/73 Served - Cerberus, Stuart, Kuttabul, Melbourne, Harman N.O (DSP)
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Griffith, Nancy Kirk (Nee Priddle) Nancy joined the RAN on the 6th February 1945 as Assistant Writer (W2536) and was posted to Penguin on entry and then Kuttabul 20/02/1945. Rated WTR 1/08/1945 and was posted to Lonsdale 2nd April 1946. Discharged 19th July 1946.
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Griffith, Phil Deceased 03/10/2007
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Grogan, Marty
Marty joined the RAN in 1963 and served in Ships Sydney (Borneo), Melbourne, Duchess (Malaya), Anzac (De-Commissioning Crew) and again Melbourne (De-Commissioning Crew). He served at sea in every rank from Ordinary Seaman through to Warrant Officer. Joined the RAN at Cerberus on 25th November 1963 as an Adult Entry Recruit aged 17 years and 3 months. Categorised as Naval Airman on completion of Recruit Training. Transferred to Writer Branch in September 1965. Promoted to Leading Writer in March, 1967. Promoted to Acting Petty Officer Writer Mid 1969. Promoted to Chief Petty Officer Writer in February, 1973.First selected for Promotion to Warrant Officer in June, 1977. Selected again for Promotion to Warrant Officer in October, 1978.Promoted to Warrant Officer in December, 1980.Discharged in 1983. On discharge from the RAN Marty joined the Fleet Reserve but soon transferred to the Active Reserve and served at Lonsdale until it was De-Commissioned on the 13th November, 1992.
The Story about the promotion to Senior Petty Officer Writer
Leading Writer John Robert Stanley (Biggsy)Biggs and Leading Writer Martin Greville (The Sexual Devil) Grogan (Right) were serving together Cerberus in March 1969 when their Promotion to Petty Officer came through (DO10) from Malfunction Junction in Canberra.
Biggsy was an ex Junior Recruit who had joined the Navy before Marty and had been promoted to Leading Writer before Marty. Marty was an Adult (Not sure if that should have been a dolt)Entrant and Biggsy used to always rip the piss out of him about being a Macca and being Senior to him.
In those days there was intense competition between ex JR’S and Adult entrants. In fact, one Leading Writer, Peter ‘Fliphead” Phillipe, who was an ex JR with a R93---Official Number put beside his name and official number on his Cabin door in 5 Block, “equivalent to R59---.
At the time the Promotions came out Biggsy was working in the Pay Office and Marty was in the Personnel Office. Leading up to the actual promotion date Biggsy unmercifully bagged Marty how he was now always going to be Senior to him for the rest of his Career (neither of them had ever thought they would even make Petty Officer, let alone go beyond that).
As you are all aware the System for Captains Requestmen and Defaulters was that you were fallen in in the passageway of the Admin Block according to Rank and then Alphabetical order within the same rank. Therefore, Biggsy being pretty bright for an Ex JR had worked out that BIGGS come before GROGAN.
The ragging went on for a week and was giving Marty the shits. Marty being an Adult Recruit and a lot brighter than the average ex JR was responsible for writing up the Captains Request Book so put his name ahead of Biggsy and kept his fingers crossed that it wouldn’t be picked up by the Captains Sec when perusing the Request Book prior to the Session.
On the big day they were duly fallen in by the Master at Arms in Rank and Alphabetical order. Even whilst standing in the line Biggsy was still giving it to Marty about being a Macca and a Rawbone. After the PO’s had been promoted to Chief it was time for the Leaders to get promoted to Acting Petty Officers. By this time Biggsy was grinning like a skunk eating shit and nudging Marty.
All of a sudden the rasping voice of Master at Arms Anderson rang out “Leading Writer GROGAN”. Marty promptly sprang to attention and marched briskly to the Captains table being presided over by Commodore Dacre SMYTHE. Leading Writer GROGAN to be promoted to Acting Petty Officer boomed the Master at Arms.
After a few cursory personal questions by the Commodore and congratulations on the richly deserved ??????? Promotion, the Master at Arms rasped “Promoted to Acting Petty Officer to date 13th March, 1969, Salute, right turn, quick march”.
As Marty passed the bewildered shell shocked Biggsy still standing dejected in line he said “Morning Leader” and kept going. Did Marty get some mileage out of that as he insisted that the Troops address him as Senior Petty Officer whenever Biggsy and he were together after that. As it transpired Marty always remained Senior to Biggsy as Biggsy left the Navy as a Petty Officer after 12 years and Marty stayed on and eventually became a Warrant Officer.
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Grundy, William (Bill)
POWTR R58760 Died17/02/2006 Born 20/08/1944. Voyager Survivor and also was in Washington on September 11, 2001, when the Pentagon was attacked. Left the RAN in 1970. An Australian Rules football great, who played for Sydney Naval in the early 60's with many Legends of that Era. He was a very proud Australian and just loved the time he served in the Royal Australian Navy. Vietnam service in Sydney and Duchess
Many among his fellow Voyager shipmates have harrowing tales of how the fickle hand of fate saved their lives. Bill Grundy is one of them. On that fateful night, Mr Grundy was rostered to work until 9pm in the ship’s pay and administration office, next door to the forward cafeteria and below the bridge. His superior officer, in a spur of the moment decision, closed the office about 15 minutes earlier than usual. Mr Grundy walked to the cafeteria and sat down with his back against the bulkhead. Only a few minutes later, the bow of HMAS Melbourne sliced through the office he had just left, splitting the ship in two. Had he left the office a few minutes later he would have been killed instantly Mr Grundy said. However, his ordeal was far from over. In darkness and rising water he and his mates somehow went down a hatch and seconds later the forward section of the ship turned turtle. When it turned upside down they were a deck above and guess that was what saved us in the end.” he said. We were pulled up into the next deck which was really the bottom deck but he was sucked back away from an escape hatch there. The section went under and he began drowning, all the while hearing music and videos of all the good things that happened in life. Then it went up again and he took a breath, went down again and he thought if the ship goes up again he had to get out of here. It did and as water came out he says he sort of surfed out.
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Guild, John ‘Bluey’ Deceased date NK
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Gunn, Michael
His story goes " On my seventeenth birthday, I hastened to the Recruiting Office at HMAS ”Brisbane” (later changed to “Moreton”) anxious to ‘do my bit’ in the war which had been raging in Europe since September, 1939. Dad was a WWI Army veteran blown up in the Somme Valley in 1917 and still carrying an immovable fragment of shrapnel in his hip, so getting his, and harder still, mum’s permission to join up was just NOT ON. But with the unfortunate circumstance when the Army’s 8th Div. was captured in Singapore, and my sister’s husband Tom by then in ‘Changi’ prisoner-of-war compound, my appeals to both parents finally allowed me to make a second attempt at joining up, So it was that on 24th June 1942 was sworn in as Probationary Writer Second Class, Substantive pay - three shillings and six pence per deim - Non-sub allowances -nil ‘Just be grateful for three meals a day, free accommodation and clothing supplied’ was part of the introductory remarks by the Warrant Officer at our induction.
The war against the Japanese invaders was at a critical stage at the time and I was spared the usual training at FND (HMAS Cerberus) a blessing in disguise for a lad used to Queensland climate. In fact no training, no gun drill, no marching, nothing more than a demo of how to lash up and stow a hammock and a few rudimentary regulations quoted from K. R.& AI. (King’s Regulations and Admiralty Instructions). The Ships Office was home for the next 18 months hidden amongst the huge ledger pages of the Pay Office but at least I felt that I was ‘doing my bit’. Come 8th March 1943, my 18th birthday, I was promoted to a nine-bob-a-day Writer. My first draft came through in September 1943 and I was packed off by troop train to Gladstone a harbour town on the central Queensland coast where I spent 3 months in the Naval Control Service Office. This office’s function was to control convoys, north and southbound, which were marshalled in the harbour almost as big as Sydney’s.
By January 1944, I found myself in Mime Bay, New Guinea at HMAS “Ladava” this time working in Captains Office on Service Certificates. No ship board comforts there; living in sago palm native huts with incessant rain. NOIC’s administration followed the receding Japanese fighting and in October 1944, I was victualled in to HMAS “ Madang the land based naval establishment of the same named village. Alongside, in the harbour were the supply ships HMAS “Whang Pu”* and HMAS “Ping Wo”* on which we had to find a ‘sling’ until we were ungraciously plonked under army-style canvas tentage on Belliau Island in Madang Harbour. (*These ‘ignominiou? members of His Majesties Australian Fleet escaped from China before the Japanese invasion of Mongolia and gave me entitlement to become a member of the HMA Chinese Ships Association in which I joined, paid my sub, and heard nothing more) In Madang it was more of the same, ledgers and some SC work, but a bit more ‘war’ lively as there were still some Japs being cleared out between Madang and Wewak. I remember one ‘exciting’ trip when I rode on the pillion seat of an Army Don-R Harley carrying a highly classified signal from the NOIC to the skipper of HMAS “Koopa”, moored stem up on the beach at Alexishafen. This was the converted tourist boat that, pre-war, made regular weekend tourist trips from Brisbane to Bribie Island in Moreton Bay and on which, legend has it, many proposals of marriage were made in those days. I recalled many happy hours I had spent as a youth tripping across Moreton Bay on the 1939 version of the “old love boat”
My ‘Pacific Odyssey’ ended in December, 1944 when I was drafted back to Garden Island, HMAS “Kuttabul” to help tidy up the back-log of Service Certificate work pending the anticipated end of hostilities. But Sydney’s ‘La dolce vita’ came to an abrupt end in April 1945 with a draft back to my home port Brisbane and assigned to the Sea Transport Office. This was as good as it gets, living at my sister’s home on lodging-comp allowance, working in an office on Brisbane’s main street, a car with WRAN driver on call for duty day and night. I was once again, in many respects, back on civvy street only still in uniform which did help a bit when making out with the sheilas.
However there were some drawbacks to overcome, such as having to meet merchant ships docking at all hours of the thy and night, sometimes with very little notice. The STO consisted of two officers and the Writer and our function was to liaise and get clearances between the Ship’s pursers and Military Commanding Officers on board. The paperwork was, in turn, forwarded to the Director of Naval Accounts to reimburse the merchant shipping companies for the passage of military personnel and equipment.
With the cessation of hostilities in August 1945, there was rush by STO officers to be discharged and get back to their posts as executives in various shipping companies. This left me ‘high and dry’ alone in the Sea Transport Office for the Port of Brisbane under the control of Commander C.P. Hearle RN.
There was plenty of work to do with the return of troops and POW’s through Brisbane This halcyon existence ended with my anxiously anticipated discharge on 28th June, 1946 - 4 years and 5 days a proud member of the “Senior Service.”
Along the way I met many good ‘hoppos’ but as was to be expected we lost touch after the war when most of them returned to their home ports. But! did keep up with several good mates and one in particular was Writer Reg “Spud” Murphy. We shared common interests and later on, our commercial and personal lives crossed for many years until he lost his battle with cancer. Another mate, also a writer, who joined up after me sometime in July 1942, Writer Kevin G.Baker and ironically his O.N was B 3917 two numbers previous to my O.N. B 3919. Typically Navy counting!! Kev and I did meet occasionally after the war but it wasn’t until circa 1989 we found ourselves together again as members of the Sunshine Coast Sub-Section of the Naval Assn. of Australia, in which Kev devoted 9 years as Secretary and I also served as Treasurer or Auditor for several years. Over the past few years we still meet every month at the Mooloolaba Wharf Tavern for a T bone steak and a drink of two but mainly just to have a ‘natter’ and compare our “operation” scars or the latest fashion in walking sticks! Michael Thomas Gunn, OAM, ex-Writer B3919, R.A.NR."
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