MacAngus, DonWriters DO conversion course Jan to Feb 1970, and spent time at Waterhen, on Duchess and at Harman (NO) DSP.  Home port these days is Brisbane.

MacDonald, Joan (Nee Olsson) passed away 11^th February 2010 at Strathmore, Victoria.  Joan joined the RAN 6^th June 1945 and was discharged 17^th September 1946. WR3025. Joan joined Lonsdale on enlistment and stayed until discharge. Her job prior to joining was a ledger keeper so joining as a Writer seemed appropriate.  On discharge she was paid £7.10.00 war gratuity, a civilian clothing allowance of £6.10.00 and £16.07.06 in lieu of 30 days reestablishment leave. In those days this was a large amount of money.

Mackenzie, B G Deceased 2007

Maddock. John
Joined January 1969 as an adult recruit (R103833) and was in Waller Division in Recruit School.  Underwent Ords Various sea training aboard Anzac in the period April to August 1969,  spending most of his sea time as Captain's Cabin Hand, but did work in the Ship's Office with Guy Jennings, and fellow ORDWTR’s Murt and Kel Clark. Following completion of Writer 5/69 course, he was posted to Fleet Headquarters in early 1970 as Operations Room Writer.  Finally posted to sea, to Brisbane in January 1972 as an ABWTR.  Promoted to LSWTR in October 1973 and then posted ashore in early 1973 to the Fleet Writer Team.  This was followed by a posting to Accounts Office, Watson, later that year.

In early 1975, he transferred to the Academic Instructor Branch, and was posted to Leeuwin for tertiary training at Mount Lawley Teachers College, Perth.  Promoted to POAI in 1977.  Having graduated from teachers college, he was posted to Leeuwin to teach academic subjects to the Junior Recruits.  In June 1978,  posted to Training Technology Unit No. 2 (TTU2) at Penguin.  Commissioned as an Instructor Lieutenant in October 1979, and posted straight back to Leeuwin, instructing the JR’s in academic subjects.  A posting to the Navy Video Team at the Training Technology Unit followed, where they produced training and PR videos for internal navy use. John left Pussers in 1989 as a Lieutenant Commander, rejoining as a Reservist later that year, with a posting as Staff Officer Manpower Planning at Navy Office.  Following 11 years as a public servant in Defence in Canberra.

Madaris, Jack Deceased date NK

Madaris, Patricia Deceased 06/06/2009

Magennis, John
John joined 27 March 1950 as a recruit then moved to the ship's company at Cerberus in central registry.  He was chosen to join the Vengeance and went to the United Kingdom by a passenger ship called ‘Austarius’ to pick up the Vengeance.  On his return to ‘Australia he served in Vengeance until January 1954 and then drafted to Lonsdale and from there to Navy Office in the manning department.  Posted to Lonsdale then discharge.  He served between 1950 and 1956. (Pictures l-2006 r-1950’s)

Makin, Shirley
Joined January 1974, retired January 1994. Served  Melville/Coonawarra 1974-75; Harman and Navy Office 1975-78, 1981-82, 1988-1994; Moreton and Brisbane Recruiting 1978-81, 1984-85; AUSTFASO Seattle USA 1982-84; Penguin 1986-88. Lives in her old home town of Miles, QLD.

Markham, Jack Leonard
R33522. Joined 5th December 1946. Joined Cerberus on entry and posted to Harman 18^th March 1947 and subsequently promoted LWTR 1st April 1949. He was posted Penguin for Shoalhaven 28/12/1949 until 31 March 1951.  After Penguin he posted to Albatross 28/5/1952 until he joined Australia 1/7/1953 as a PO until 1/8/1954 when he joined Kuttabul for a brief 2 month spell before posting to Penguin until 15/89/1957. Joined Queenborough 16 September 1957 until 2nd March 1958 (Promoted CPO 14/2/1958) when he joined Melbourne until 20 January 1959.Kuttabul until 9/5/1961-then Creswell until 3/4/1963. Back to Kuttabul until he joined Yarra 5/1/64 until 6/9/1964 where he rejoined Kuttabul until his discharge (Free) 28^th June 1968. Deceased

Marshall, Joy
Ex ABWTR. Joined 1994 until Medically discharged in 2000 after falling down a ladder and busting  knee.

Martin, Tracey
(Nee Monson) . Served 1987-1993

Mason,Margaret
WRE 201. Joined the RAN in June 1942 when I was  18 years old, and went to Balmoral as soon as HMAS Penguin was ready for us. We were the first intake of their.  I left the Navy in 1946 and married a Lieutenant commander.  During my time, I kept the fair and rough ledgers in the pay office, and spent time in the captains office typing reports.

Matherson, Laurie Deceased date NK

Matthews, Claude
Passed away 23^rd October 2009.
Service 18/05/1956 to 08/10/1962. Joined 18^th May 1956 and promoted LSWTR 12^th August 1960. R51987.  He had a number of postings including Penguin 25/2/1957, Queenborough 28/6/58, Albatross 11/6/1959, Nirimba 12/3/1961, Melbourne  30/6/1961 and discharged 7^th October 1962.   

Mayes, William Howard
Served 09/1946-1948 at Cerberus as WTR.

McAuliffe, Judy
Judy McAuliffe (O'Brien) Joined WRANS as "Writer (P)" 15/07/1957 - discharged  "Married 29/12/1960" as a LWTR (P). Served Cerberus 15/07/1957 - 05/10/1958, Penguin  to 02/08/1959, Torrens at the Combined Recruiting Centre until discharged. Represented Navy at softball, badminton, athletics, hockey and combined services at athletics.  Married Brian (POME).  Lived in Campbelltown for 33 years and moved to Elderslie (Camden) May 2002.  On committee of the Ex WRANS Association and the Campbelltown Naval Association.

McCarthy, Alison
Nee (nee Grant) says she “joined the PNF in 1990 and completed the Writer 45 class.  I transferred to the Reserves in 1995 after the birth of my first child. Lives Padthaway, SA.

McCarthy, Carol
Date joined was 08/03/1965 from Sydney town and discharged 08/03/1969 as a WRWTR. P/N W86039. Carol served at Cerberus, Harman(NO-DWE), Albatross

McConnell, Mark
Mark retired from the RAN in 2003 as a LCDR and is currently the House Manager in Yarralumla and Admiralty House In Kirribilli. Mark is responsible for the day to day running of the Governor General's residences. (Updated October 2004).

McDonald, Grace
(nee Griffith) A member of the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) in World War II. Grace Griffith enlisted on 06/03/1945 and discharged 28/10/1946. Serving as a writer (pay ledgers) on Penguin,Kuttabul and Torrens her training included activities that she may not have participated in had she remained in ‘Civvy’ street. Grace returned to Netball after the war and occupied positions at a District, State and National level. Grace was given a Community Service Award in 1986 and in 1997 a Civic Reception and a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition for years of service as President of Randwick Netball Association and to sport in the City of Randwick. Grace was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1996 for her services to Netball. On 26th July 2000 she was awarded the Australian Sports Medal.

McFawn, Janet Frances
(nee Bellis) Known as Wran Jan, joined Feb 76, posted to Harman 76-79, firstly in Accounts with Pete Sanders, Bob Baird, Pi Pieda, then to Navy Office in Manpower Planning, Liz Budek was my PO, also other scribes were Geoff Hardwick, Terry McHarry, Sharky Sutherland, Greg Peers, Sue Theodore, Morgan Dunbar, Di Cavedon.  Posted to Sydney Recruiting 79-81 as a LWR.   Posted back to Canberra working at Campbell Park in Fleet Maintenance.  Promoted to PO in 82 and then worked in Fleet Supply Services with Steve Rogers, Paddy O'Brien, Joy Newman.   Married CPOMTP Irish McFawn who was working in DFM in Jan 84, had our son David in 85 and was discharged in 86. Irish was discharged in 87 after 20 yrs.  We then moved to Tasmania settling in Launceston

McGeown, Pat
oined as a JR in 1970. ORDWTR on Stalwart. Writers course in 72. FHQ then Melbourne. Crash draft in 73 to Port Moresby (Tarangau2) served with the PNG Defence Force until 73. Moreton as ABWTR. Fleet Supply Team in 76 as LSWTR. Then best draft ever - minesweeper Ibis for 4 months. Followed by Perth, Nirimba, Coonawarra (Naval HQ), then POWTR at RAN Staff College Penguin. In 1980 to Navy Office DSP in S&S postings. 1982 to Training Technology Unit 2 making Navy Training Videos. 1984 to Vampire and left the Navy in April that year.

McGragh, Robert ‘Bob’
I joined the RAN as a junior entry recruit on Good Friday 6^th 1969. The train trip over the Unlabored was great and it went downhill from there.  Our Chief Divisional Officer at Leeuwin was one fearful Con “Dutchy” Sappelli (CPOFC) who only feared two things in life, White Pointers and snakes. We agreed on the first, not the second. 

After the late Ted Ivanov and I returned from our weekend from Garden Island with numerous wildlife that we subsequently housed in our respective lockers.

I had the misfortune to leave my locker open before leaving for classes one morning.  The unfortunate Divisional Kellick was LS Prez Prestocki who found my locker open and ‘Fred’ my 6 foot Carpet Python came out of my size 7 boot to see what the problem was.  At that stage all the Navy could charge me with was destroying Naval Property as “Fred” had turned my size 7 boot into a size 14 as it was his living quarters. The upside was the other two that were asleep in my white fronts didn't move.  This was my first taste of chooks, stoppage etc. in the RAN and Dutchy's distrust of me for my remainder of time in Leeuwin despite good academic and sporting results.

On completion of Leeuwin I was posted to the “Tina” GOR266 with Johnny Spreadborough. My first day on the Tina when ORDs had to do inspection every morning ended in disaster and chooks.  LS Bobby Youens questioned whether I had shaved that morning, when I informed him I had not shaved for 3 weeks, I had my first meeting with another feared Chief, CPOCOX JLJ Wilson who contrary to popular belief had a sense of humour and was a fantastic mentor to the JR's on the Diamantina.

One of the lasting lessons I learnt during this period on the Tina was what happened at Leeuwin, remained at Leeuwin.  Whilst in Singapore a Kellick from a senior Division at Leeuwin had caused me some grief. We just happened to be in a house of ill repute at the same time, when I saw the same gentleman again, I took my revenge unfortunately, something I regret to this day.  Apart from wrecking the brothel in Nee Soon, I was charged again for being adrift as I was on Cinderella Leave.

I commenced my Scribes course early in '71 and in retrospect it was when my alcoholism started to emerge.  During this period I met some great people that have remained loyal friends despite my indiscretions and downward spiral that was to follow over the next few years. It may have been a blessing if Marty (Grogan) and Wayne (Harris) had failed me on Pay and Accounts on course and re-categorized me. As the older members of this magnificent website would agree.  Fortunately, after initial allocation, they swapped me and Maxie Bryant from Pay to Personnel and I had the most productive period of my time.  John E Nolan (Sid), Stevie Daws, now LCDR, Billy Kelly, Sabine Dittman and Heather Graham who put up with my antics for a considerable time.  During '71 Sid Nolan raised SD papers on me and thankfully for everyone concerned, they were deferred for 12 months, my deterioration over the next 12 months ensured they were filed in bin 13.

The 3 monthly forecast at the end of '71 had me joining the Parra (46) on 4 Jan '72' with Barry Clements the Chief Writer.  Chrissy/New Year 71/72 was spent In Rockhampton, subsequently ending in my relationship with Heather and creating a lifelong friendship with her father who enjoyed Johnnie Walker Black and Red and the Red Lion in “Rocky”.

As previously stated, I Joined the Parra in Jan '72 with Barry, Bomber (A.L Brown) and Kenny Roberts.  This posting was the continuation of my downward spiral.  The first couple of months alongside at G.I. were fairly uneventful although unfortunately Barry and I did not see eye to eye on virtually anything.    Barry was a good sportsman in his younger days, but now seemed to have very little time for sports or Wednesday “Sporties”.  For the most part I will accept responsibility for our breakdown in relationship as my priority was sport, socialising, drinking, Not typing ROP's or being in the Ship's Office.  To Barry's credit he gave me a “sporty” for the final game of cricket of “72 with the proviso I returned after the game to type the ROP for March.  The Skipper of the Oxley who was a participant in the game requested players of both sides to join him in a quiet drink. 

True to form I blew it, the last recollections I have of that evening was Bomber coming into the Ship’s Office at 0400 and telling me to get my head down, clean up all the spilled corrective fluid, throw the skins in the rubbish and front Barry in the morning.  Needless to say the outcome of that confrontation went one way and at that time I seriously considered walking out the main gates of GI.  This was not to occur for another seven (7) months. Easter was in April of '72 and as I was a Mexican, I volunteered to stay onboard with another Scribe who will remain nameless as he is still a good friend.  What I wasn't aware of was that we had to store ship over that period. 

During Store ship, I believe 24 cases of beer evaporated, which would account for the Stokers being legless for the 5 days of Easter, along with Duty watch and the duty SA (WTR Mac).  Fortunately due to creative stacking in the cool room the discrepancy was not discovered until well into our deployment.  One of the rare one's I got away with.   To be continued.............

McHarry, Terry
R58784.  Joined RAN as RCTWTR in March 1962.  Following Recruit and Writer training posted to Ships’ Company of Cerberus in Accounts under Kevin Simpson and ‘Stainless’ Steele.  Later moved to Central Registry with Doug Pyers before receiving first sea posting on Anzac with CPOWTR Barry Murray, LSWTR Mick Compton and ABWTR Alan Robinson.

Posted to Harman (NO) DSP December 1964, took over from Dave Jordan posting Ordinary Seaman for their seatime training and then to category courses.  Involved with setting up initial training for the Oberon class subs.

Promoted LSWTR February 1965.   Completed Advanced Writer course August 1966 and promoted to POWTR May 1967.  Posted to Vendetta with POWTR ‘Bluey’ Guild, LSWTR Terry Standen and ABWTR Alex Buchanan. Returned to DSP as assistant to CPOWTR Bruce Campbell (Electrical Postings) and I/C Communications and ORD Seaman postings.

In May 1974 relieved POWTR John (JJ) Nash as Captain’s Sec on Moresby which undertook surveys of various parts of the Western Australia and Northern Territory coastlines.  Promoted CPOWTR in August 1975 and posted as Pay Office Chief at Alabatross. Returned to Harman(NO) for the third and final time in December 1975 – worked firstly in Manpower Planning under Captain Adrian Cummins before returning to DSP  I/C of Engineering postings.  Paid off March 1982.

McHenry, Leslie (nee Henricksen)
“I married Tom McHenry in 1953, only did two of the 4 years as we were not required in the WRANS once you were married those days.  Tom was an RCI, served 13 years in ships Shoalhaven, Shropshire, Warramunga, Condamine and retired as a Petty Office Naval patrol at Lonsdale in 1958. Tom died in 2007.

I joined the WRANS as a Writer in 1951, the first intake of post-war WRAN’s. Approx 20 girls arrived at FND before the quarters were ready for us, because the word had got around that the Army were recruiting at a date earlier than the WRAN’s were to be on deck and that would never have been done sir! We survived and nine of us were drafted to Navy Office, Manning Dept, Victoria Barracks. Chief Writers were Les Calder, Peter Crow, George Bird, John Dennis and Eric Crawford.”   .

McIver, David
Joined the RAN 1979 from Hobart Tasmania. Served in ships Perth, Darwin, Harman, Albratross, Moreton, NAVCOMSTA HAROLD E HOLD, Cerberus and Navy Headquarters South Queensland. He transferred to naval reserves in 1999 having completed 20yr in the PNF.

McKay, Bernie
Joined as JR in January 1965. Completed Writers course in mid 1966 and then served on Vendetta -  gun line tour in 1969-70.  In late 1970 completed an EDP course in Canberra. Others on Writer's course were Peter Young (same JR intake), Paul Paech and Kev Whiteway. After the course posted to HMAS Watson October 1966. At Watson the Writers included Greg Gadd, Chris Cohen, George "Tosca" Pincott, Rusty Dance, Alan Robinson, Dennis Robinson, Steve Smythe, Brian Gorringe, Laurie Buchanan, Paul Healy, "Pop" Whelan, Bruce Hambour, Tammy Mooney and the late "Salty" Eckels. For the  Vietnam gunline tour by Vendetta as well as Lindsay Klem and I there was Ross Hardy (Kellick) and the PO's were Joe McGrade and Rob Raue. I left the Navy (FOCEA at the time) in 1973

McKay, Patricia
(nee Walsh) Joined from NSW  in Aug 1961, as Writer (ST) served in Cerberus, (1961), Harman & Navy Office(1961-1963), Cerberus (1963), Harman (NO) (1964) She is secretary of the WRANS subsection of the Naval Association in Queensland. 

McKennay, William George Malcolm
Joined 16TH July 1946 for two years. Spent all his time at Lonsdale and Navy Office in Victoria.  Demobbed 19^th July 1948

McKeown, Robert
LSWTR  Joined the RAN in May 1994, and graduated from Supply School with Basic WTR 109 later that year.  Had postings to Harman, Kuttabul, MHQ (three times), Sydney, Cerberus (twice), Manoora, Penguin,  Melbourne and presently is the LSWTR at FIMA Sydney

McKinnon, Alan ;Mac’ Deceased date NK

McLean, Coral
(Nee Cottenden) Joined the WRANS in January 1978 and after training was posted to Penguin with such scribe notables as Jeannie Roberts, John Bignall and (the late) Bob Alexander.  Her next posting was to Coonawarra where she met her husband, Bill (Mac) McLean a LSUC.   Whilst in Darwin Coral worked with  Pat McGeown, Brose Palmer, Rod Pickles, Brett Saunders and (the late) John Counsel.  From Darwin Coral was posted to COMAUSNAPSUP and worked with Morrie Jeppeson, Ned Sparkes, Dave Speight and Blue Walters.  On promotion to LWR posted to pay office of Waterhen with Tony Holmes, Ronda Rose, Ken Stevenson and Karin Radig before she posted to the CAG LSWTR billet at NAS NOWRA where, with no air capable ships in Commission, she spent her time pretending to be a birdie and doing admin work for CMDR Air at the Tower while Kev Cummins, Rocky Rochford and Nola Eccles did all the hard scribe work.   On promotion to POWR Coral found herself again at Penguin, before being fortunate enough to be posted to her home port of Adelaide (Encounter) with Ray Sexton;  then to Watson with Liz Budek, Wayne Lanham, Wayne Swadling and (the late) Charlie Sugden.  Promotion to CWR saw Coral as the Supply Office (Pay) at Kuttabul with Dave Whelan, Debbie Anastasio, and Jim Fitzgerald.  Coral then moved to Sydney Recruiting and on to Defence HQ at the Directorate of Naval Recruiting in Canberra.   Acceptance of her Warrant moved Coral to the Directorate of Sailors’ Career Management where she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross “for outstanding achievement managing the administration of Reserve Sailors”.   Coral then spent 18 months at sea onboard Kanimbla and Success where she was lucky enough to get both an ‘up top’ and Rimpac trip in.   With Success in dry dock Coral was temporarily posted as PERSO Kuttabul and then back to Navy Office where she worked as an Independent investigator, investigating Redresses of Grievance submitted to the Chief of Navy.  While in this job she undertook a six month secondment to the Commonwealth Ombudsman and investigated complaints against the Australian Federal Police, coincidentally working with Peter Hassell.  Coral transferred to the ANR in August 1998 and now lives just outside of Canberra with Bill. 

McMullen, Judith
(Ex LWRWTR)  Had postings from 1975 to 1985 at Huon where she started and then a posting to Navy Office (DDNPS), Huon recruiting to Penguin, Navy Office,  CPSO Perth, SPDO at Darwin, Penguin again as pusser to CPSO and then Albatross when she paid off as a LSWTR.  Served 10 years and says she had a ball

McNae, Greg
Joined the RAN as a JR in 1976. Spent 4 years in the Safety Equipment branch before changing over to Writer in 1980. Had 8 years as a scribe and left the RAN in 1988. Postings included Leeuwin, Alabatross, Melbourne, Stalwart, Cerberus, Harman & (NO), Moresby, Cairns. Now living in SE QLD. 

McNeill, Rob
R57790.  Joined on 12/03/1961 and completed my Writers Course in September, 1961. During time at Cerberus played in the Colts Rugby Union team with LCdr Storey as Coach and then in the Cerberus First XV for most of the season. In September 1961, posted to Watson Captain’s Office as Wtr II until December 1962 and thence to Quickmatch until April 1963, with Ted Ball as CPO Wtr. Quickmatch was decommissioned in April, 1963 and then I posted to Sydney in the Captain’s Office until November, 1963 and transferred to Sydney (Retinue) on FOCAF staff until February 1964, when I returned to Watson for Rushcutter Diving School staff. (Picture 1986)

Again in Captain’s Office with POWtr John Montgomery and was also secretary to LCDR Ron Titcombe who was in charge of the Diving School. At Rushcutter was Paddy O’Brien, Rip Kirby and Beachball Sharman, where there were great times in the Sailor’s mess on duty days either behind or in front of the bar. For those of us who lived at Watson, we used to travel to Rushcutter each day in the back of a Navy truck.  Promoted to L/Wtr in June, 1964, The scribes at Watson were Salty Eckel,  Neil Churches, Andy (Boots) Brittain, and Nick Winter who used to run an SP bookie service on most Saturdays. Salty Eckel of course wrote his “Salty on Sport” column for the Navy News and at the time I played in the Watson First XV football team. Boots Brittain was a great table tennis player, and we had many contests each night between drinks. The most memorable but tragic  moment of that period was standing near the Chapel at Watson and watching the Melbourne return to Harbour following the collision with the Voyager

In December, 1965 posted to Hobart as Captain’s Secretary to Guy Griffiths and spent the next 12 months in the USA. Commissioning in Boston and worked the ship up with units of the U.S. Fleet beforen deployment in Vietnam in 1967.  In the ship’s office was PO Wtr Phil Watson, Lew Muller and Gary Waters. Cdr Dick Brown was the Supply Officer on board, with Lt. Murray Forrest Supply Officer Cash.

I was promoted to A/POWTR in August, 1966 and on return to Australia, was married in December 1966, I had originally asked Paddy O’Brien to be my best man, and when he was unable due to family circumstances, Frank Guisti stepped in with Marty McFadden as a  groomsman. At the church in  Kensington a Sydney suburb,  Frank collapsed on the steps of the church with kidney stones and was carted off to Penguin by ambulance. Marty then became best man.

In February 1967 posted to Moresby with Lt. Farqhuar as Supply Officer and Lew Smith as Writer. Moresby was deployed to Papua New Guinea for six months surveying shipping lanes. We had a great time at Rabaul, Lae and Madang  playing the natives football, and whilst at sea,  deck hockey most afternoons. Whilst off Lae we lost the ship’s chopper when it crashed into the sea near the ship whilst taking the Captain on a reconnaissance flight. Fortunately no lives were lost. 

Posted to Harman (NO) in August 67 to Fleet Air Arm and Submarine section. Jack Cummins was CPOWTR of the section when I arrived and shortly after Laurie Dillon replaced him.  Bob Creighton was Lt. SDSU of the DSP at the time. All three were fantastic people to work with.  Brian Park, Les Beresford, Fred Curbishley and Paddy O.Brien were  others who were at Navy Office at the time. Amongst others I remember were Dave Groves, Dave Hill, Aussie Carruthers, Lester Hensby, Wog Watson, Glen MacAndrews, Lew Horsfield, Arthur Morris, Bill Grundy and Geoff Sinden.  

In early 1968 was selected for promotion to Commissioned rank, but during the medical discovered that I was diabetic. Given the option to continue in the RAN, but decided to be discharged PUNS in 1969.   

Commenced work with OTC in 1970 and in 1992 I joined Southern Nuclear Imaging. Retired December, 2006. My wife Marion and I, live in Sydney and we are involved in a range of activities both social and family, the latter especially with our four grandchildren.

McNelley, Blanche
(nee Lawless-Pyne) Blanche was a Wran Writer. On January 25th 1943, she joined the RAN as a pay ledger leading writer for Moreton. She says they all went into barracks and had to live under the rules of the navy.  In January 1946 she transferred to Garden Island Kuttabul where she was tasked with processing the discharges for sailors returning from service. She says ‘they all had different allowances and there was quite a bit of working out and bookwork to do regarding it´ by the end of September that year her job was over and she returned to civilian life.  Lives in St George district of Queensland and spends her time bowling, golfing, working with the Red Cross. She received an Australia Day award in 2001.Her official number was WR/666 and she is aged 81.(Updated 2005)

McQuade, Jeff
Joined Oct 1973 as JR. Completed the Writers course 6/75, under Bomber Brown others in class: Debbie Elton, Shirley Jones, Jane Rankin, Houghton, 'BC Klimeck. Jeff McQuade, Glenys Mooney.

At Harman worked  with Lew Horsfield & Bob Baird, Bart Kelleher and Neil Spackman, Pete Spalding, Ian (Wacker) Payne,Jan Bellis. Joined Brisbane with Ian Milliard, Wally Bristow, Mick Scully with Rod Pickles replacing Wally and the very loose wicket Shane Tatnell!

Returned to Canberra and worked at Campbell in Weapons Design as LSWTR in 77 and then RTEO under DSP in Navy office 1978 until Mar 80 when discharged. 

Was married to Sue Hamilton (CPOWTR) for a very short time and now married to Helen. Lives in Busselton since 92.

McVickers, Tom
Deceased approx 1986/87

McWaters. Robyne ‘Lou’ (Nee Cross)
Lou served at Cerberus from November 1978 to April 1980 and at Building D Russell Offices until 1981 and then Mobile Recruiting at Pyrmont until 1982 and spent a little while at Fleet Registry.  Robynne was a Senior WRAN Writer.

Meade, Steve
 (Alias Scruffo) ABWTR 1977 to 1983. Postings include Harman(NO),Cerberus,  Albatross,Tobruk and Kuttabul.  

Meares, Lisa Maree
Promoted POWTR 01/07/2004. As a LSWTR in 2004, she was awarded a Maritime Commanders Commendation for "outstanding professionalism and dedication in the provision of superior administrative support services whilst serving in the Patrol Boat Group Headquarters"

Mena,  Anne
Nee Don.   Joined July 1981 as a RCTWTR. Left Cerberus and was posted to DSP for 2 years, then Cairns, Albatross, Recruiting Sydney, Nirimba where I married.

Went to HQADF in Russell Offices and  Recruiting Hobart.  After promotion CPOWTR ended up in pay at Cerberus. Threw my hat in the ring and volunteered to go to sea - I was warned, 'be careful of what you ask for' by Blue Walters the poster. Needless to say Torrens was my next posting for about 2 years.

Then posted to Coonwarra.  Promoted to WOWTR Jan 2000 and was posted as the Fleet WOWTR and Fleet Legal Assistant in MHQ and went to Sydney.  I posted back into  Coonawarra for a few months and then secured a posting to  Cairns.  I Discharged December 2001.  I rejoined the Navy on CFTS in December 2002 and was posted to Albatross until 2007. I changed over to LEUT (WTR) September 2004.

Merrilees, Stewart
Stew Merrilees joined as Aircraft Artificer Apprentice on 14Jan66, 2 pays before decimal currency on a salary of £10.0.0 (equivalent $20.00) per fortnight.  Changed over to WTR Jan68, possibly saving the lives of a few naval pilots. 

Served in HMA Ships SYDNEY III, PERTH II, ANZAC II, MELBOURNE II, VENDETTA II, BRISBANE II & TOBRUK II. Establishments, NIRIMBA, CERBERUS, KUTTABUL, WATSON, CPSO Sydney, ALBATROSS & MORETON  As a Rocky I have served at MORETON, MHQ, Amphibious FEG, CRESWELL, CAIRNS, Reinforcement Holding Company Army Randwick, NHQ South Qld, PSO Brisbane, DNOP, Centenary Naval Review & since 1966 HQ 1DIV.

Ranks along the way:  NAA Naval Artificer Apprentic1966, AAA Aircraft Artificer Apprentice 1966, RCT Recruit 1968, ORDVAR 1968, ORDWTR 1968, WTR2 1969, WTR 1970, A/LWTR 1971, LWTR 1972, LSWTR 1974, P/POWTR 1998 and CPOWTR 2006.

I have had a marvellous time as a scribe met some wonderful characters and made some great friends.  Probable highlights would have been the 78 trip up top in VENDETTA, home ported at the Kangaroo Bar in Sembewang, and the houseboat trip up the Hawkesbury for Pete Gostlow’s bucks weekend (1975 I think) with Ted Hase being piped on board as COMAUSHOUSBOAT1.  We blew up a boat before we made it to the road bridge and then nearly sunk a second the next day. Present engagement expires 15 July 2009.

Millard, Ian Ross
Ex-CPOWTR, R67043. Served from 13/01/1968 until 26/04/1985. Originally from Adelaide, completed   Adult Entry Recruit Training in Cerberus and was part of the commissioning crew as an ORDCO on Stalwart then almost completed  TO course at Cerberus before they discovered he needed glasses. Changing to Writer in 69,  completed course at the Supply School and spent  time in Leeuwin, Melbourne, Kuttabul, Nirimba, Supply, Platypus, Watson, Brisbane, Lonsdale (CPSO), Navy Office (DGNPS) and Cerberus (Accounts Office).

Miller, Karen
 (nee Bleazard)   Scribes 5/77 course and  maiden name is Bleazard.  Left after 10 years in 1987 and joined DFAT where she still is.  Has done a few overseas postings and was based in Honiara, Solomon Islands 2004.

Milligan, Brigitte
CPOWTR.  Brigitte Milligan rejoined the Royal Australian Navy in 1990 and has served at various shore establishments.  She was promoted to Petty Officer in 1995.  In August 1996, she was posted to the Personal Services Organisation, Western Australia, as the Sailor-in-Charge of the removals and entitlements section.  As a POWTR, in 1999 she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) for outstanding service as the Sailor-in-Charge of the removals and entitlements section of the Personal Services Organisation, HMAS Stirling.  “As the Sailor-in-Charge, she displayed excellent levels of knowledge of the relevant instructions and ensured that members and their families received their correct entitlements. She also demonstrated a high degree of tact and understanding when dealing with families who were experiencing extreme pressure and stress during the removal process. Her position also required her to provide expert advice to families of deceased members, a situation requiring compassion, patience and sensitivity. Petty Officer Milligan has excelled in all these areas and has received numerous accolades which have greatly enhanced the image of the Personal Services Organisation and the Navy. The HMAS Westralia disaster highlighted the outstanding abilities and dedication to duty that Petty Officer Milligan possesses. Her firm belief that the welfare of the families is paramount ensured the best possible service and advice was given. Her encouragement and leadership qualities were inspirational and reflected great credit on the organisation. Petty Officer Milligan has developed new processes and databases to greatly improve the effectiveness of the organisation with a commensurate improvement in the services to the members and their families. The effectiveness of her databases has been recognised by Defence and is expected to be used nationally in all the new Defence Relocations Centres. Petty Officer Milligan's outstanding devotion to duty has been in the finest traditions of the Personal Services Organisation and the Royal Australian Navy.”  As at 2003, she was serving as CPOWTR in HMAS Canberra.

Mitchell, Laurie
(aka MITCH) Joined as a Junior Recruit on 7/10/1967 from Brisbane. The 21st intake was some 108 poor lost souls, all who probably needed a lot of help to find themselves.  After 3 months we were packed off on about 6 weeks Christmas leave – with pay! – and thought how long would this last.

After 6 months selected for “promotion” to Leading JR. Whoohoo.  It meant an additional $2 to $12 per fortnight. Not a pay rise but a more of the $24 p/f we used to be paid with the balance going into a bank account.

The next move was to Topmen Division. This was a stream that selected candidates for further educational qualifications and Officer training.  At 16, and being told I wouldn’t be flying Choppers I took the ‘out’ option and went to sea some 10 months after the rest of my intake in July ‘69.  They gave me my preferred branch of Wtr thankfully. 

The first posting was to the Daring Duchess.  Drafted onboard on Friday and spent the weekend over the side with a paint brush. Learnt about slinging hammocks and as the mess deck dodger, keeping the wash up fanny hot and tables cleaned. Welcome to the Navy.  The 15 month onboard as and Ord were invaluable in forming my backbone and establishing a great respect for what goes on in the mess decks and at the bottom of the ladder. Highlights included an escort run forSydney into Vietnam. Then off to the World Expo in Osaka Japan.  A sporting injury saw a posting to HMS Terrror for 3 month over Christmas ’70 working in the Ship’s Office….well not really working. Other ports were the regular Honkers, Subic, Manilla, etc.  All good grounding in life skills!

Basic Writer Course 4/70 saw CPO Ron Dalgliesh trying to impart some knowledge and to knock off some edges after sunning on the uppers for so long. At some stage the “dark side” took over and after a run up to Screamers, we ended up in Brisbane without any approved leave.  That didn’t impress Ron D or LCDR Ian Lee-Conway one bit, so no Pen and Pencil set was awarded to yours truly who managed to top that course.

Postings to Kuttabul FHQ, Fleet Supply Team, Queenborough, Sydney, Watson, Tarangau, Kuttabul again followed.  Promoted to LSWTR while at Tarangau in 72/3.

Those days simply flew bye. Geez we lived hard and fast. Aging 14 years between 17 and 24 years old was a saying, but it was probably correct.  So many friendships were made with fellow scribes and others, and we were all invincible – except when under the glare of the WOWTR

Marriage in Jan75 seemed to be a kick in the pants and the Officer Candidate papers were re-raised.  Both myself and a fellow SD candidate Kev Drinkwater were both over weight for commission and we both suffered the Sick Bays solutions in the form of little green pills to get the kgs off.  As it turned out selection for an Supplementary List commission was offered to me and accepted.

This was again a very ‘different’ experience going back to basic training including 0600 PT and doubling everywhere. The excess weight fell off as the body got hold of the new regime.  While the naval skills previously learnt were of great assistance the transition for LS to MIDN was not as easy as it could have been. More edges had to be removed.

Postings as a Supply Officer were Kuttabul, NOIC QLD, Moreton, Supply School, Navy  Office – Naval Supply Services Campbell Park and Deputy Chief Naval Material Russel Offices and the best of the best as Supply Officer of Swan out of the West.

The Charge posting on Swan was two years of hard work, and hard play, supported by the best bunch of  DSOs, S & S senior and junior ranks you could ask for.  They all played a special part in making the four SE Asian deployments, two EAA deployments, and numerous coastal visits a most memorable part of a 23 year Naval career. We spent some twenty of the twenty four months away from Garden Island WA and really didn’t complain about it.

There really wasn’t anything after the Charge job that would have measured up and having two sons entering high school the pin was pulled in March ’89.  A little time was spent with the Reserves in helping to put together a RANR Supply Officer basic course and other bits and pieces.  But this never really came up to the bar so after a while it slipped under the radar.  A short stint of 18 months was completed in 2002 and 03 in a Joint Logistics role in building 1 of Russel complex.  This was terminated in July 03 when the Posting note sent me to shore “Retired”.  Med Cat 4 saw the end to that little session.

Mobley, Mark  
 Joined in JAN67 as a MOBI then to JR in July. Common Sea Training in Vendetta early 68 with 'Bluey' Guild, Terry McAitch, Terry Standen, Alex Buchanan and Max Sharples. WTR 1/69 with Stew Merrilees, Alan Golledge, Ted Ozols and others then back to Nirimba. Stalwart NOV69 for 14 months then 2 years on Fleet Writer Team bouncing around the fleet on loan, notably to Sydney, Melbourne, Anzac, Yarra and Swan amongst others. Then back to Nirimba. Vampire AUG 73 and promoted LWTR and posted to Kimbla.  Posted to Nirimba FEB 75 until JUL77. Transferred to Naval Police.  Rose to the rank of Sergeant (CPO equiv) in almost minimum time and transferred to Reserves in MAR 1988. Joined the public service as Technical Officer at the Naval Historical Collection at Spectacle Island and remained there until JUL 95 doing some Rockie time. Two years Reserve time followed, mostly in Recruiting.  More Reserve service from APR - SEP99 and has been on Continuous Full Time Service since. Currently Divisional Officer and Regulator for technical trainees at the Navy Technical Training Unit at Waterloo - where he expects to remain until Compulsory Retiring Age (OCT 2011) or later

Monaghan, William (Bill)

I actually started as a Rct. Seaman, National Service in June 1951. IN those days we only did 41/2 months, 6 weeks of which were spent at sea in a corvette HMAS Colac and I recall being violently sea sick on a trip from Adelaide to Geelong. The bloody things used to roll when they were tied up alongside. At the end of this we were promoted to the rank of Ordinary Seaman, and a very ordinary seaman I was. Went back to my job as Administration Clerk with the Brisbane City Council, 6 months later I joined permanently, April 1952.(but I was savvy enough to join as a Writer this time).

Lofty Langworthy was our instructor in Writer 10 class and the first two posted out were John Kindness and I to Albatross where we spent the next 2 years. The place was very rudimentary in those days and you drew a pair of Gum Boots on loan from Naval Stores so you could walk through the mud to get to work.
From Albatross to Kuttabul for a short stint as the fairy for Cliff French. Ledger closing time and due to Frogy's lethargy we were getting way behind, so I bribed a young Writer II named Bluey Guild to work with me on Saturday's to get the Ledger closed. Then posted to Sydney.

Alec Goodieson was in the same Writer's Class and later on we became good friends. Served together on the Sydneyand had a few runs ashore.

The Sydneydid a stint attached to the Far East Strategic Reserve and visited Hong Kong. The ship's programme was Secret and even the sailors knew nothing. The night before we sailed I was with someone who was picking up a suit. I was looking at the display of material when this Chinese tailor said "You want suit? I make". I said "No. We are sailing to-morrow". He said "Yes but you come back in two weeks". So I let him measure me for a suit and sure enough we were back in Hong Kong 10 days later. Chinese tailors knew more about secret ships movements than the ship's company.

The Sydneywas in Melbourne at the time of the Olympic Games; a pipe came over "30 volunteers are required to act a Marshall's at the Olympic Games, names to the Commander's Office". I was in the Pay Office and by the time I got up to deck 4 there was a large Queue in front of me so I gave up. Vince Earles was Commander's Writer. I said to him at lunch in the Mess, "I tried to get my name down but I was too late". “No you weren't" he said "I was taking down the names. We're going to the Games" and so we spent a week at the Games while the Sydney went to sea to film "On the beach" with Gregory Peck and Rita Hayworth.

Picked up a hook before I left Sydneyand was posted toWatson.  After Watson joined Melbourne on Admiral’s Staff. Promoted P.O.Wtr and posted to Penguin relieving Frankie Shugg as treasurer of the Petty Officer's Mess. Next posting was Kuttabul. I passed final exams and qualified as Associate of Chartered Institute of Company Secretaries with the intention of leaving Pussers. I had also qualified for Commissioned Writer along the way but without any realistic expectations. It came as a bit of a shock when the signal came out promoting 4 of us Keith Hook, Derek Norton, Kevin Scanlon and me to Sub-Leut. I was actually in two minds what to do. In the end I left it to my wife to decide; at the time we owned a house in Sydney and had 4 children. Her decision was to stay and there I stayed for another 15 years.

Another 2 years in Albatross, Supply Officer (Cash) towards the end. Followed by one year as Supply Officer (Cash) in Nirimba. Jack McCosker was Chief Writer and Wriggly Gardner was in charge in Captains Office. Posted to the Sydney for the early Vung Tau ferry days (I did the 3rd, 41h and 5th trips) an Instructor Officer came up to me in the Nirimba Wardroom and said to me "I've served on the Sydney and I'll give you a run down on where everything is". I didn't bother to tell him that I knew places on the Sydney where you could hide during Sunday Divisions and even the Jonty's henchmen couldn't find you. After the Sydney I was posted again to Admiral's staff as Assistant to CSO(A) , this was a new title for what we used to call the Fleet Supply Officer. Gugga Gent was the Chief Writer which was the fourth time we had served together. Thanks for the help Gugga.

Tarangau for 2 years accompanied, was next and I must say it was the most enjoyable 2 years of my service. I was Secretary to NOIC PNG and the first year Woggie Watson was P.O. in charge of Captain's Office and second year Bulkhead Wall both of whom I still regard as friends.

‘Lion’ George Halley was NOIC during the first year and vets to Navy Office in Officers' Appointments. Before he left he said to me "Where would you like to go, Bill?' I said "Anywhere except Cerberus and Canberra". And so I went to Canberra. Had a succession of jobs and ended up Supply Officer Harman my final Posting. Somebody in Yogy House made an error and promoted me to Leut.Cmdr. so I promptly resigned before they realised their mistake.

Montgomery, John Joseph Roger
Passed away on 2nd May 2009.  Joined 10th July 1951at Cerberus as a RCT Clerk and was in the Writer 8 class. He spent some time at Cerberus and then Penguin before he joined Sydney 20/06/1955.  Then Penguin as an AB until 4/6/1956 when he was posted to Penguin. Joined Melbourne as LS 5/9/1958 until 26/7/1959. He spent his next period of service at Nirimba (where he was promoted PO 5/5/1961) until 28/6/1962 when he joined Vampire until 8/1/1964. Posted to Kuttabul and then Rushcutter. Promoted CPO 29/4/1966 and discharged DEE 9/7/1966

Moodie, Terence Ernest
P/N 20173.  Joined 3/7/1934. Promotions were: LDG 29/3/1938 PO 16/10/1939 CPO 15/8/1942. Postings during his service were as follows: Cerberus 3/7/1934 – 15/3/1935. Penguin 16/3/1935 23/4/1937. Sydney 24/4/1937 – 1/2/1938. Cerberus 2/2/1938 – 17/3/1939. Australia 18/3/1939 – 19/6/1940. Westralia 20/6/1940 – 14/8/1942. Cerberus 15/8/1942 – 5/3/1944. Kuttabul 6/3/1944 – 30/9/1947. Penguin 1/10/1947 – 21/1/1948. Australia 22/1/1948 – 25/4/1949. Penguin 26/7/1949 – 13/4/1950. Lae 14/4/1950 - 31/5/1951. Platypus 1/6/1951 – 4/1/1954. Lonsdale 5/1/54 – 15/10/1954. Terence was discharged PUNS 15/10/1954

Mordaunt, Francis Xavier
Francis joined Cerberus 15/4/1945 – 24/9/1935. Posted Penguin 25/9/1935 – 26/1/1939. Canberra 27/1/1939 – 12/5/1939. Australia 18/5/1939 -  19/6/1941. Sydney 20/6/1941 – 20/11/1941. Went down with the Sydney. He was promoted LDGWTR 1/2/1939 and PO 14/11/1939.

Morgan, Ian Alexander
Deceased mid 2008. R52407. Joined 21 September 1956. WTR II 21/03/1957, WTR 06/06/1958 and LS 12/02/1960. Disrated 27/02/1961 and re-promoted to LS 28/02/1962. POWTR 03/04/1964. After initial training he was posted to Penguin 07/07/1957 and joined Vendetta 10/12/1958 until 30/8/1960 when he joined Harman. Posted to Albatross 28/02/1961. PostedVampire 02/07/1962 to 29/11/1963 after which he posted to Penguinand thenKuttabul early 1964 and discharged 20/09/1965.

Morgan, Ray Deceased 16/05/2004

Morris, Kevin . J.
Ex LSWTR served in Vampire 1966-1970. Now living UK (Updated April 2005)

Morrison, June
I wanted to join the WRANS to see Australia at someone else’s expense and got from Adelaide to Melbourne and return.  All other travel has been at my own expense. 

It was all very quick after my father signed the papers and on 2^nd March 1970 I was leaving Adelaide as a Recruit WRAN Writer (Official Number W107866) with my work colleague, Helga Hundertmark (now Jongewaard) for Cerberus, where I celebrated my 18^th birthday the Sunday after my arrival. 

I went though the six-week basic training and the Writers’ Course with Gordon Coucil as our Petty Officer.  On completion I was sent to the Movements Office where I was bored stupid (I was told to bring a magazine to work) so when a Sub-Lieutenant came in and said they were looking for a WRANWTR to volunteer to work at Naval Health Benefits for two weeks, I jumped at the chance.  I worked in NHBS with Kevin Simpson and Bob D’Elton and ended up spending the remainder of my service at Navy Office (Melbourne) in RAN Relief Trust Fund working with POWTR Tom McVickers, CMDR Cameron (Retd), POWTR Doug Higgins and CMDR Alf Calder (Retd).

In April 1971 I injured my right eye whilst taking a staple out of a report to be tabled in Parliament after Tom McVickers had retyped the first page because the Commonwealth Auditor did not like the wording.  I had used a ‘pig stabber’ to remove the large staple and the pig stabber slipped and I brought it up into my eye.  I was placed on the medical category “Unfit for Posting” as I was under a civilian specialist after Tom walked me to Prince Henry’s Hospital, which was next door.  Four operations later, and left with 90% loss of sight in the right eye (and minus the lens), I was discharged PUNS as a Senior WRAN Writer in February 1974, 6 days before my engagement expired. 

I stayed in Melbourne for a while and then moved to Canberra but came back to Adelaide in December 1977.  I stumbled into working for solicitors and have worked for the legal profession ever since.  At one point I was working at a (now defunct) private business college training future legal secretarial staff in legal practice and procedure. 

My loss of sight hasn’t affected my life.  I’ve learned to adjust and have had no further operations.  I am a member of the Naval Association (SA) WRANS Sub-Section and enjoy a monthly social get together with other former WRANS.

Moy, John ‘Curley’ Deceased 08/07/1970

Mullen, Anthony Edward Carrig
Born 17 April 1940 in Barmera, S.A. Entered the RAN 13 January 1958.  He served at the ships Cerberus (13/01/1958-18/12/1959, 03/01/1960-10/06/1960) Penguin (10/06/1960-14/06/1960) Cerebus (14/06/1960-08/07/1960, 25/07/1960-10/10/1960) Melbourne (10/10/1960-07/12/1960, 29/12/1960-16/06/1961, 02/07/1961-04/11/1961, 14/12/1961-28/12/1961), Cerebus (29/12/1961-06/03/1962) Sydney (07/03/1962, 31/07/1962-15/12/1962, 05/01/1963-10/06/1963),  Lonsdale (11/06/1963-11/08/1963, 28/08/1963-29/03/1964). Anthony Mullen's home port was Adelaide.  He was a writer and entered the Navy for six years. He re-entered for 6 years as Writer, 3 April 1965. (Updated July 2003).

Muller,Lew
Ex CPOWTR.  I joined the RAN in April, 1961, in Adelaide and over approximately 14 ½ years, served in HMAS Cerberus (Pay Office), Barcoo, Leeuwin (Removals), Hobart (Pre-Commissioning and Capt’s Sec), Penguin (Asst Sec), Navy Office (DSP) with ‘Whispers’ in Seamans’ Postings, Stuart (Chief Scribe) and Waterhen (Capt’s Sec).  I paid off in August, 1975.  I met and enjoyed the company of many ‘good blokes’ over those years, some no longer with us, and thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Service.

The highlight of my career was undoubtedly time spent in the Hobart.  Time in the US was educational to say the least, but Vietnam service on the Gunline was what it was all about.  The single incident which impacted on me most was the USS Forrestal fire, in which 134 USN sailors lost their lives and many more were injured.  The Hobart was called so the ship’s doctor could assist, and we stood off in case we were required for any rescue operations.  I was Capt’s Sec. to Guy Griffiths, undoubtedly one of God’s finest men, and it was an honour to work for him.

Munro, Jean
Ex POWTR, served Rushcutter, Fairmiles 1942/46 Married 1948  After retirement joined ex WRANS Assn NSW, also worked voluntarily in the NSW Naval Assn Office for 12 years, the last 5 years as State Secretary Retired in 2001 and  now President of NSW ex WRANS Assn.

Murray, Barry Milton Laws
Commenced as Reservist P/ N S7831 1942-1946 then joined RAN P/N R33351 1946-1967 retiring as CPOWTR. Was the CPOWTR on Anzac in 1964. Passed away 4th October 2004.