Nash,Johnathan J.
Ex CPOWTR and LCDR RANER.  Joined the RAN on 8/5/1965 as an Adult Recruit in Rankin Division.  Commenced Common Sea Training in Melbourne for three months, then joined Vampire in October and sailed for ‘Up Top’ on 14/2/1966, the day of the introduction of decimal currency.  In October 1966, commenced the Basic WTR’s Course, then was posted to Kuttabul as WTR2/WTR and worked with CPOWTR Jack Markham.  From October 1968 to December 1969, went back to sea in Sydney, working for LEUTs Ray Bragge & Kingsley-Perry, CPOWTR Slim Corkery and POWTR Ron Campbell.  Posted to Moreton from January 1970 to January 1973 and promoted LWTR in February 1970.  Completed the ADVWTR Course in September 1972, then in January 1973, joined Perth as an A/POWTR, to fill the LWTR’s billet in Accounts and Officers’ pay section, down aft under 52 5” gun mount.  Posted to Moresby in Brisbane and took over from CPOWTR ‘Wiggy’ Bennett, (and had the SRE speaker returned to the Ship’s Office during the handover).  In May 1974, joined Harman (NO) for DSP, as 2OIC of Seaman Postings Section under CPOWTR Graeme Quinn.  Cyclone Tracy caused a mass migration of Shipwrights North and I got a crash posting to relieve a WOMTH in Townsville Recruiting in February 1975.  In January 1977, joined Harman, working in Captain’s Office/Personnel Office, relieving POWTR George Kitchener, then moved to the Accounts Office 12 months later, working with CPOWTR ‘Pi’ Pieda.  Promoted to CPOWTR in December 1978 and posted to Cerberus.   Joined the RAN Management School in January 1978, as an Instructor (Service Knowledge) for PO Leadership Courses, WO Management Courses and Junior Officer Administration Courses; taking over from newly promoted SBLT Andy Hamilton.  Heading back to sea in Swan in August 1980, provided many highlights including two RIMPAC exercises, three Japan port visits and a four-day visit to Shanghai.  In August 1982, rejoined the RAN Management School at Cerberus. 

Promoted to SBLT SDSU W on 10/10/1982.  Completed the Basic Supply Course and then posted to Kuttabul (MHQ for Fleet Supply Team) in July 1983, as the oldest SBLT in the Fleet.  In January 1984, joined Sydney (FFG 03) in Seattle as DSO, returning to Sydney town in late March 1984.  The Pusser was LCDR John Hill, CO’s Sec was POWTR Neville ‘Nobby’ Clarke and my kellick was Paul ‘Sandy’ Shore.  After workups with the Fleet, we deployed for six months to SE Asia in company with ‘Building 215’ and Canberra.  Promotion to LEUT effective10/10/1984.

In January 1985, joined Cerberus as Wardroom Mess Manager for 12 months, followed by a move to Quality Control Coordinator for the Training Dept.  Then, in July 1986, received a crash posting as Sec to NOCVIC in the Defence Plaza, St. Kilda Rd Melbourne.   NOCVIC was CDRE ‘Tos’ Dadswell, who handed over to CDRE Jerry Carwardine on retirement. 

On 20/1/1987 I resigned and on 8/7/1987, commenced Full Time Service in the then Emergency Reserve as CO’s Sec HMAS Cerberus.  (Worked once again for CDRE Jerry Carwardine, until he was promoted to RADM and was replaced by CDRE Jim Dickson.)  On 3/7/1989, granted Higher Rank to LCDR and took up an NBillet posting at Harman (NO – DNTE) as the funding manager of all training conducted overseas.  Six months later, the desk was transferred to Cerberus under the new Command of Commodore Training (COMTRAIN).  In July 1990, posted back to Harman (NO – DNTE) to allow me to rejoin my family and acted the role of trouble-shooter.  In April 1991, ‛volunteered’ as the Inspector-Administrative Review (Internal).  In simple terms, I became the Chief of Naval Staff’s Independent Investigator into all Applications for Redress of Grievance (AROG) referred to CNS for review. On 13/9/1996, I retired on medical grounds, following two unsuccessful operations on my spine in 1991 and 1994.

Nelms, Lyn  
Nee Smith.  Joined the WRANS 18/02/1972.  Lyn served at Cerberus following recruit and WTR category training.  Then followed a posting to Albatross, Recruiting at  Moreton and back to Albatross.   She separated from the Navy on 19/07/1976 as a LWRWTR.  Lyn was a Navy spouse for 22 years.  Lyn's husband of almost 30 years is an ex Birdie.

Noble, Doug
Died 6th October 2005. He served 1950 to 1956.  He was a better than average sportsman at Football, cricket and tennis, and along with the late Ron Battams, played a few game with St Kilda. While in Sydney he played for the then all powerful Sydney Naval team

Nolan, John Ernest(Sid)
F59813. Deceased 19/09/2003 in Willows Gemfields, Qld after a short illness from cancer.

Joined 11/3/1963 RCTWTR, WTR2 11/9/1963, WTR 26/11/1964, LWTR 11/1/1966, POWTR 14/2/1969,  CPOWTR 6/3/1974, WOWTR 21/5/1981, Transferred to reserves 21/9/1986.  Postings: Cerberus 11/03/1963, Albatross 12/09/1963, Yarra 26/10/1964, Cerberus 24/03/1966, Melville 23/09/1968, Cerberus 23/09/1970, Melbourne 15/05/1972, Cerberus 02/01/1974, Vampire 04/12/1978, Cerberus 10/01/1980, Nirimba 17/08/1981 discharges to shore 10/3/1983 and joined reserves until 20/9/1991.    

Medals: GSM-MPN 06.06.1966, GSM-BOR 04.04.1968, DFSM 10.03.1978, NM 20.09.1978, DFSM1*10.03.1983,  VLSM 01.04.1993, ASM45-FESR 28.11.1997 with Clasp FESR,  AASM45-VIET 01.04.1998 with Clasp Vietnam, AASM45-MLS, 01.04.1998 with Clasp Malaysia.

Marty Grogan talks about John Sid Nolan. My good friend of John "Sid" Ernest NOLAN. One of my enduring memories of him was that of him keeping all my guests entertained around a Keg in the backyard of my Parents house in South Melbourne in November, 1966 at my Bucks night. My Father abhorred bad language but was quite taken by Sid and his ranconteurorial splendour. Sid was also part of a group that dropped me completely naked outside Flinders Street Station that night just as the Theatre crowds were catching a train home. One comment I vividly remember was "Look - all that meat and no potatoes" Does it really matter that it was made by St. Kilda Sid? (no relation to Sid NOLAN) who was nearly as famous as Lennie the Loop. Other guests that night included John NASH, Garry "Beachball" BOURKE, Alan "Mac" McKINNON, Dick GOTTSCHALK and a host of other rapscallions. Sid was quite a Unit and went under many names invented mainly by himself to suit the story he was telling at the time. Names included Saigon Sid (bombed nightly), Sid the Skid (a proud skid merchant), Old Cy from the Sea (whilst recounting outlandish and untrue sea experiences to the Ords in the Wets at Cerberus)and Beachhead John (because of his alleged landings on the Beachheads of Tawau with his stepping oppo Cook BRADLEY when they were serving onboard HMAS YARRA in 1964/65 during the Indonesian Confrontation) BRADLEY was as eloquent as Sid and used to describe himself as Borneo Brad a Veteran of the hot torrid jungles of Borneo. Both had the GSM (Borneo)irreverently referred to by some us the Borneo Banyan Gong. They kept the young Ords at the Wets entertained all night for the small price of free beer. Sid joined the RAN in 1963 and one of his favourite stories to the young Ord's in 1966 was how he and the Commodore Superintendent of Training (Commodore I.K. PURVIS at the time - I think) had a total of 33 years meritorious service between them. Sid was not even a one badge man at the time but had already mastered the art of not letting the truth stand in the way of a good story. A likeable rogue who will be sadly missed by those that served with him.
Chris Jones says Sid and his outrageous humour were part of the Pay Office crew at Cerberus in 68/69. The pay office volleyball team at lunch time which included the likes of myself, Sid, Ron (fatty) Dalgleish, Dick Gottschalk, Tom McVickers and Ian (Fergie) Ferguson and others had some great times together.
More Sid Nolan—from Scribes “Sid and his outrageous humour were part of the Pay Office crew at Cerberus in 68/69. The pay office volleyball team at lunch time which included the likes of Chris Jones, Sid, Ron (fatty) Dalgleish, Dick Gottschalk, Tom McVickers and Ian (Fergie) Ferguson and others had some great times together.� “Sid had a great sense of humour and lots of great sayings. One that comes to mind is "It wasn't like this on the Warramunga".

Ralph Burge says they were close mates in the sixties and we shared many good times together. When Sid and I were living in the "Married Quarters" at Cerberus, he invited me to go fishing with him. We didn't go far - stayed on the base and parked his old FJ, I think it was, on a bank above the water. While sitting patiently for a nibble, we suddenly heard a worrying noise - it was Sid's car heading towards the water. It thundered past us into the salty ocean!!

Norton, Ray

I joined the RAN on 12/02/1961 (R57688) and spent the next seven years as a WTR2, WTR, LWTR, WTR, LWTR. In 1966 whilst serving in Darwin I volunteered to be tested for language aptitude and so started another life:  68-72 I spent in Hong Kong. Did my 20 years and paid off in 1981 as a CPOLIN, joined the reserves (Naval Intelligence) and did a further 19 years varying between full time and stand by reserve, from which I retired as a LCDR at age 60.

O'Brien, J F
P/N 3058 Ex POWTR. Deceased 2004.

O'Brien, John M (Paddy)
1960 –1980.  Joined on 25/09/1960, as Recruit Writer at Rushcutter.   On completion of training, first posting was to Cerberus, and then to Kuttabul (Apr 61).   Posted to Tobruk, for recommissioning in 1961, which was cancelled.   To Gascoyne Oct 62, as WTR2, Penguin Nov 63, Rushcutter May 64 as A/LWTR, Kuttabul(FOICEA) Nov 64 – paid HDA to POME (ENG WTR) and Anzac Jun 65.   Promoted to A/POWTR posted to Duchess Jan 67, Harman(NO- DSP) Jul 67.    Overseas to Australian Embassy Jakarta in May 69, after short Indonesia language course Point Cook.   Promoted CPOWTR Feb 70.   SUPPLY Sep 71, Harman(PSO Canberra) Feb 73.   Promoted WOWTR Jun 77.  Harman(NO) (DNLS Aug 77) and then Melbourne Jan 78/Feb 79.   Back to Navy Office (as PLA), before compassionate leave Jan 80. Apr 80 to Aug 80 as various Staff Officers to DGNPS (late CDRE Nobby Clarke). Awarded an Australia Day Medallion for Australia Day 1995, while serving as a Public Servant, Directorate of Naval Service Conditions, Russell.

O’Connell, Kevin Deceased 12/07/2006

O'Donoghue, Patrick
P/N R118060 Deceased 09/07/1979. ABWTR

Okely, Eric "Annie"
Was ABWTR / LSWTR at Creswell in 1980 / 81. He was a LEUT SDSU W working as SO(Cash) at the college. He paid off from Creswell and built a house on a big block on the hill outside of Albatross.

Otter, R W
P/N 3384 Ex POWTR. Deceased 2004.

Owen, David Frederick
Picture 1980’s. Deceased 01/06/1999 in South Africa.O/N R119641. Joined RAN as a Leeuwin JR 20/04/1976. Discharged as a POWTR 19/04/1996.

Promotions:  Seaman Writer [Unqualified] 23/03/1977; Seaman Writer 01/10/1977; AB Writer 06/07/1978; LS Writer 09/04/1981; A/PO Writer 30/06/1987; POWTR 11/12/1987.

Postings: 1975 – 1977 Leeuwin and Cerberus; 1979-1980 Yarra; 1980-1982 Harman; 1982-1984 Cerberus; 1984-1987 Swan; 1987-1988 Stirling; 1988-1990 Harman; 1990-1991 Cerberus – Instructor; 1991-1992 Cerberus; 1992-1992 Albatross; 1992-1993 Harman; 1993-1994 UN Movements Control Group Somalia; 1994-1996 Harman

Ozols, Ted
Ex LSWTR R95938. 04/01/1967 aged 15yrs 9 months joined Leeuwin, Intake 18, Rhodes Division. Successfully argued for Writers Branch in lieu of DO’s wanting to allocate me as a WM/QMG. Joined Parramatta 1968, met CPO Tammie Moonie and deployed to FESR for 9 months. Fond memories of Sembawang and Ma Mee Soup. Short stint on Hobart prior joining Cerberus for Writers Course under Dougie Higgins. We celebrated with Doug post course and managed to get him banned from the PO's Mess for a month. Further education undertaken by Wetex Curtin, Mick Scully, and good friend Georgie Edgell. Drafted to Stalwart for its first run up top. Back to Cerberus and Pay Office where after a minor disagreement on HDA was drafted to NHBS three days later for two years under CPO Kevin Simpson. Picked up my "hook" and sensing a “draft was imminent; I scored the dreaded holy trinity as I saw it. Melbourne Accounts Office, and CPO Bluey Guild. I reckon the fix was in because I never sent Bluey enough NHBS Claim Forms. No chance for salvation as I didn't need insurance and I didn't play rugby - god rest his soul. Turned out okay - deployed twice to the USA (RIMPAC 72) (picked up 18 Chinooks and Gough’s "Blue Poles" second trip), had one final trip up top, went to personnel last nine months. Met two good mates in John Robinson and Wally Sweet on that draft - Wal was the only bloke I knew who ate meals with a knife and half a dozen bread slices, three times daily. With WO Tammie's intervention scored Encounter - Recruiting Office Adelaide (home port) for the next 2 years 3 months, whence I took an elective discharge and left the Navy after 10 years.

Palmer, Ian Brose 
Ex CPOWTR. Joined April 1971 through Leeuwin (35th Intake Stevenson Division). Went off to sea as an  ORD in  1972, then to WTR course at Cerberus (Instructors Marty Grogan for Pay, and Pete Charlton for Captain's Office).  Shore postings included Harman(NavComSta), Platypus, Lonsdale, Coonawarra NOCNA, Creswell, Waterhen, Waratah(AUSTFASO), Kuttabul, Nirimba, and retired from Penguin as PERSO.  Rode the waves in Ships Stalwart (ORDWTR), Anzac (WTR2/WTR), Hobart (LSWTR), Perth (POWTR, COSEC), and Adelaide (CPOWTR, COSEC, DESRON1).

Officially retired in April 1991, but with a combination of Leave, Long Service Leave and Resettlement Leave, left the Navy in May 1990 and returned to the USA to live because of the good memories and new lifestyles gained from my hitch at AUSTFASO in the early 80's. 

Palmer, Anthony (Tony)
Ex CPOWTR retired July 2001.

Parke, Brian
P54009 says “I Joined February 1958 as RWTR. Completed WTR and shorthand Cse prior to posting to Melbourne (FOCAF) in 1960. Other postings included Penguin, Kuttabul, Vampire (Swapped postings with Lew Horsfield so I could rejoin Melbourne prior to running over Voyager).  Then Moreton (SEC to NOIC QLD), Navy Office, SYDNEY. Transferred to Naval Police 1969 and after walking Garden Island for 3 months, posted to Harman (Belconnen)  then back to Navy Office (Assist to Dir of Naval Police) Promoted WO in 1978 and left the Navy later that year.

Parry, Graham
R58452.  Ex CPOWTR. Served 23/10/1961-22/10/1981. Died 10/11/2002 on his Goulburn property. Wife Margaret. They had been in Goulburn for years. Had a little property just outside Goulburn with a few head of cattle.

Patterson, Kevin D (Banjo)
“Joined via Cerberus in May 1976 from Perth, and completed Basic Writers (while keeping Sid Nolan warm with all the wood I chopped) under Adrian Leigh (Bomber) Brown, with Jack Onaca, Gaile O’Grady, Rob (Bomber) [PO can you spell that please] Brown, Jill Rogers, Mark Chee, and others whose names escape me.

Posted to Harman(NO) (DSP) post course and had the pleasure of working for British Hardwick, and learning the fine art of the official DSP lunchtime recreational activity “Chase the Pisser” at lunch times with a host of characters the likes of British, Max Bronson, Gus, Geoff Locke, Burt Kisnorbo, Brett Saunders and others.

Sent to Penguin to learnt accounts under PJ Walsh, then  sea in 78 on building 215,  again with POWTR AL Brown with ABWTR Andy Thomas and LSWTR Chris Bailes. March 79 to December 79 did some “Adventure Training” as crew on      Anaconda during the Parmelia Race from Plymouth UK to Fremantle WA via Cape Town.  Unfortunately during that period I was also mixed up in the disastrous Fastnet Race with Captain Mike Calder (RAN Hydrographer) and was rapidly promoted from AB to PO by the media as each day passed without being found and reported as “missing at sea believed drowned”. Apologies to all those who attended my “wake” at Rockers organised by Chris Bailes, Sharky Shires and the rest of the Stalwart crew. On my “miraculous” return, it was then on to Creswell early 1980 on a “T” posting where I worked Captain’s Office under Eric Oakley until heading back home to the West in 1980 and the relatively new Stirling.

I remained in the West at Stirling, NOCWA, Stuart with Bob Scott, Leeuwin with Mark Tyrrell and Syd King and CDT4 (SDU) SASR eventually heading back east to Cerberus in January 1990. Posted to Supply School to develop and deliver DEFMIS training.  Supply School was full of old faces, Barry Howe, Ross Jones, Mark Chee, Andy Burt, Graham Branford to name a few.

I left the RAN in November 1997.

Payne, Ian
1973-1993 POWTR.

Peach, Paul
Deceased 3rd February 2007.  R64646.  In late 1970, Paul completed an EDP course in Canberra with Bernie McKay. Peter Young and Kev Whiteway. He completed the POWTR 2/72 14/08/72-29/09/72. On this course with Paul were Stu Fogo, Norm Leavy, Russell Nelson, Jeff Wake, Max Bronson, John Nash, Dave Rickard, Vic Venaglia and Kevin Bones Morris.

Peart, Richard
Deceased 19/06/2006 aged 32 yrs. Joined 1995.   Awarded Maritime Commanders Commendation as a LSWTR  - part of the RAN Logistic Support Element Middle East for "their tireless efforts and exemplary performance during the period 20/01/2003 to 03/07/2003"

Pedder, John
Ex LSWTR 1982-1989. John joined the RAN on 8/02/1982.  He was trained as a scribe by PO Jeanie Brennan.  His first sea posting was to Brisbane then as part of the decommissioning crew of Vampire.  John finished his time as a Leading Seaman in Derwent, in December 1989. On leaving the service he obtained his degree in Law and now works as a Barrister and Solicitor in Launceston Tasmania.  He specialises in Criminal and Personal Injury Law.  In October 2006 he joined the Royal Australian Naval Reserve as a Legal Officer at the rank of Lieutenant

Pemberton, Shayne
Ex LSWTR. Served Oct 1980 - Oct 2000

Penno, Greg
Ex CPOWTR. Served 1973-1994

Percival, Ross
ex ABWTR.  Served 1981-1987.

Perkins, Clive ‘Polly’.
R54160. Ex LWTR.  Enlisted in the PNF in March, 1958 and discharged March, 1967 after 9 years service.   I was a little bit different to the normal path of Writers as I joined the Navy and entered the Seaman Branch. In 1958 after recruit school training I was posted to the Anzac as ORDSM FC.  In 1961 I was transferred off the Anzac to the Quickmatch as a Gunnery Officers Writer and served on the Yarra (1961-64) in the same rank.

In 1964 the “G.O.W” Rate became obsolete and I was posted to Cerberus to do a Writers course of which I passed. I was then posted to Tarangau on Manus Island New Guinea and served there for 18 months as the paymaster for the PNF, PNG and Labour Line natives.

Whilst in Tarangau I also held the position as the Junior Sailors Wet Canteen Manager and President of the Social Club.  In 1965 I was transferred back to Cerberus to do a Leading Writers course of which I passed and served there until my engagement expired in the PNF in March, 1967. I then joined the RANER. He served for 8 years in the RANER from 1967 - 1974 (8) years. And in that time served in Cerberus, Queenborough, and Lonsdale and Swan

I have very fond memories of David Keig, Marty Grogan, Alan (wettex) Curtin, Woggie Waugh, Les Whelan, Bob D’Elton, Doug Higgins and Dick Gottschalk to name a few. Awards: Australian Service Medal 1945 – 75 with Clasps PNG and FESR, Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal, Australian Defence Medal,Far East Strategic Reserve Medal.

Phillips, Neil Deceased 03/09/2001

Pinch, Gay
 (Nee Pettifer) LWRWTR Served 1950's

Pinsach, Louis
Joined the Navy on 6th February 1946 and after undertaking writer training and spending 8 months at Cerberus he was posted to Lonsdale as a LDG WTR 1^st January 1947. Joined Kanimbla 16/4/1948 and then HMS Glory 31/7/1948 until 14/12/1948 when he joined Sydney. He was promoted a PO 1/7/1949 and in May 1950 a brief posting to Cerberus before Lonsdale 14/8/1950. Promoted CPO 1/4/1952. Tarangau 20/7/1952. Cerberus 2/5/1953. Lonsdale 24/8/1953. Sydney 21/1/1957 and discharged 5^th February 1958. Died 2^nd May 1998.

Pollard, Bob
Joined the RAN in November 1981, leaving after 20 years with his last working day being 11/09/2001.  He served on Supply, Torrens and Arunta (commissioning crew) and ashore at Cerberus (x2), Albatross, Penguin (x2), Coonawarra, Watson (x2), Creswell and RAN LSE Muscat.  (One of the few scribes to do 20 years without a posting to Navy Office).

Pope, Rod
Joined the RAN in August 1981 from Brisbane.  Following Category training I was posted to Moreton. Time at sea was spent on Yarra and Brisbane respectively.  Spent a significant portion of my time in Canberra, serving at both Harmanand in Navy Office. Significant Projects I worked on were Navy Helicopter Project (HELO PD-N) and the RAN Canberra Comms Project Directorate (RAN CCPD). 

Was lucky enough to be posted Stirlingin the early 1990's where I was the Admin Officer for the RAN Submarine Escape Training Facility (SETF). 

In 1992 I changed Category to Naval Work Study and following on from a 4 month training course at RAAOC Centre (Army) Bandiana was posted to a Naval Work Study Team in Canberra.  Left the Navy in September 1994 as a Petty Officer Naval Work Study.

Presland, Kelvin (Kel)
P/N R46752. Joined 23/1/1952 as RCT Clerk at Cerberus, Platyspus 5/11/1952, Albatross 2/8/1954,  Warrego 9/5/1955, Albatross 2/10/1956, Penguin 7/1/1958 for discharge 22/1/1958. LS 10/5/1957

Pretty, John
R62305 LSWTR Joined RAN 30/6/1963 as General Entry. Served at Penguin 1963-1967 Pay Office and Captain's Office. Short periods on secondment to RN SM4 Submarine Squadron (with Brian "Bulkhead" Wall) and FOICEA. HMAS Hobart first trip to Vietnam 1967. Watson as ND School Writer, then Harman (Navy Office) in Sailor's Postings and Promotions. Harman Accounts Office. Discharged PUNS November 1969.

Prout,Vicki 
When I came home from school at 13 and said I was going to join the Royal Australian Navy, my parents were surprised but continued to support this dream and assist in turning it into a reality."  After a defence force recruiting team visited her school, Vicki had simple objectives for wanting to join the Navy: "My sole ambition was to travel the world and meet heaps of people. At that tender age, what else was there in life?"

At the age of 17 1/2 years, Vicki joined the Navy and eventually became Petty Officer Prout. Not only did she learn practical skills such as First Aid, fire fighting and preventing ships from sinking, Vicki was constantly being taught leadership skills, management techniques and how to motivate herself and others. Although she had to follow extremely strict disciplines, Vicki learned she was able to impart her flair and creativity amongst her peers of all levels, ages and backgrounds.  Gender hurdles were apparent in Vicki's time with the Navy: "Many of the older sailors thought women were bad luck onboard ships and several administrative procedures were geared towards men only. Maternity leave and associated pay conditions were not clearly defined and needed to be changed to reflect a growing number of female sailors.

Pyers, Douglas ‘Doug’
Deceased 20/09/2004

Pyne, Anthony
Currently (2204) POWTR serving at COMAUSNAVSYSCOM. Intends leaving the Navy after completing 24yrs service on 04/07/2005.