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Salmon, Steve
Joined 1971 and trained at a Met Observer. Served in Melbourne and Anzac before deciding that being a scribe was a more attractive option. Writers course in October 1974 followed by short stay at Cerberus and posting to Harman(NO) DSP in Canberra. Feb 1976 joined Vendetta at Williamstown dockyard serving with the likes of Bob Baird, George Edgell and Mick Kelleher. Returned to Cerberus to work Removals / Housing / Accounts before being promoted to LSWTR and posting to Lonsdale Accounts. Next Hobart just in time to introduce ‘computerised’ Pay, promoted to POWTR and took over a Captains Secretary. Following return from IO Deployment joined the Melbourne to carry out her de-commissioning, then off to sunny Cerberus for ‘instructional duties’. Spent the next few years between Supply School and Management school before returning to the real world in the Accounts Office. Involved in the introduction of DEFMIS before picking up WO boards and spending time at Kuttabul as SO(Cash) rounding out with time in the newly created Commodore Training area looking after Supply and Defence Co-operation training. Discharged from the PNF 1991 and transferred to Reserves.
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Saltmarsh, Vera deceased date NK
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Samuel, Peter deceased date NK
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Sanders. Ken 
When joining Pussers, I had intentions of applying to do a Linguist Course, Russian. I had mixed with a lot of Russian speaking migrants at school in Bathurst, and had picked up a little. At NHQ down the hill from KUTTABUL the two linguists were PO/Wtr Laurie Mathieson, and Naval Airman Ted Grange. They knew of my hopes, and when they came up to collect pay, they gave me writing and translating exercises to do, and brought back the previous ones,corrected. etc. The course was discontinued, and I was offered Malay, or Mandarin. Stupid kid that I was, I refused that. Later, Laurie Mathieson's name came up, being involved in the " Coombe Affair" something to do with lobbyism. Picture left 2010.
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Saunders, Brett 
Ex-CPOWTR, served 09/10/1972 to 01/04/2002. Shore postings Leeuwin, Cerberus (twice), Lonsdale (Twice), Kuttabul,Harman (twice), Coonawarra, Cairns, Recruiting Perth (very hard that was!!) Stirling. Ships served on were 73-74 Anzac (ordwtr), 75-76 Vendetta (ABWTR), 79-81 Derwent (LSWTR), 85-86 Hobart (LSWTR), 92-94 Canberra (POWTR) and 2000-02 Adelaide (CPOWTR).
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Scari, Robert (Bob)
Joined in 1975 and discharged as a CPOWTR in 1995. Served Cerberus, Harman(NO), Leeuwin, NOCWA, Stirling, NOCNA, Coonawarra, Penguin, Waterhen, Maritime Headquarters, Stuart (DE), Yarra, Adelaide and Moresby. Made a lot of good friends from my time in the Navy. The most memorable being selected to serve aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for 2 months during the 1982 Commonwealth Games. After discharging gained employment with a District Court Judge in Perth. Whilst there have been involved in some high profile trials. I have been with the Judge since 1995. Am actively involved with the Byford Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. Now enjoying life as the two children are making their own way in life.
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Schultz, Peter 
Joined the RAN as a JR 09 Apr 79 and commenced the Basic Writers Course on 06 Jan 80 (Mick Scully instructing). Shore postings have been: Creswell, Moreton, Cairns, ADFA, Harman (NO), Harold E. Holt, Stirling,Defence Centre Melbourne, DIO, DSCM, HARMAN (as PERSO) and RANRTF. Sea postings were Parramatta, Flinders, Stalwart (paid her off), Westralia and Adelaide. Promoted to CPOWTRon 01 Sep 05 and am currently employed as the Operations Manager RAN Relief Trust Fund.
Honours and Awards: AASM (with clasps ICAT and IRAQ 2003), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, DFSM**, ADM
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Scott-Waine, John Carlisle
John served during WWII, joining up on 12th April 1943 and demobilised 8th July 1946. O/N S8366. After joining Cerberuson entry he was posted to Kuttabul. He posted to Ladava 27th January 1944. Madang 21/12/1944. He spent 2 months atHarman before proceeding to Rushcutter for demobilisation.
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Scully, Edward Terence (Mick)
Passed away 01/11/2005 as a result of a massive heart attack.
Ex POWTR Edward Terence "Mick" SCULLY R62312 Aged 60.
RAN Service 1st July 1963 to 21 September, 1983. Ships Sydney(Vietnam), Melbourne and Brisbane (twice). Medals: AASM (Vietnam), VLSM, ASM (FESR), National Medal, Defence Medal.
Marty Grogan provided this story about Mick. Mick and Pat were at one time serving in HMAS CERBERUS together. Both rascals, identical twins and both prone to misadventure. Pat, one night, got caught in a compromising position with a WRAN in the hedge surrounding the Wrans Quarters after the Movies and after curfew for the Wrans. The Chief Regulator (similar to the job Mick did at St. Michaels) at the time took a dim view of the ongoing antics of the SCULLY twins and made sure the Captain gave Pat the maximum punishment. Consequently Pat was given 14 days stoppage of leave and privileges for his one minute of pleasure in the hedge. Pat was devastated but Mick came up with a cunning plan. “You’re my Brother so I will share the punishment with you, every second day I will front up and do your punishment, no one will ever know. So it went to plan, Mick one day, Pat the next. After they had completed the 14 days Mick said to Pat “You owe me one”. Some years later Mick was serving onboard HMAS BRISBANE and after a night on the Turps was late for work and copped 14 days stoppage of leave as a punishment. Mick was on the Ship in Sydney and Pat was back down at HMAS CERBERUS in Melbourne. Mick rang Pat and said “I’m calling in my marker, get your backside up here, I’ve got a new shiela and I will lose her if I have to do 14 days straight stoppage of leave”. Pat said “Brother dear, I’m on my honeymoon, I’m broke and I’ve busted my right leg which is in plaster”. Mick was furious and shouted down the phone “I don’t want anymore of your weak excuses, get your ugly head up here and do your time”
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Semmens, Kirsty
LSWTR (ex PNF). Nee Hope. Joined the Navy in 1985. Basic writers course from October 85 - April 86.
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Shannon, Andrew Murray
 “Joined the RAN on 14 March 1955, engagement 6 years. On completion of the Basic Seamanship Course moved onto the Supply  School (14 September 1955 – 11 November 1955) for the basic Writers Course. Whilst at Cerberus I played cricket for the Depot. (Left 2000 - Right 1955)
Then was posted to Kuttabul 12th December 1955 taking up a position in the Tenders Pay Office working on the rough and fair ledger system. During this time a new pay card system was introduced which was devised by, I believe, Cdr(S) R Watson. During an Admiral’s Inspection that year, one of his staff stated that there was a fire in a waste paper basket to see what our reactions were. One member picked up the basket and threw it out a window. Not the right reaction, all pay card cabinets should have been closed and removed to a safe place then take care of the fire. Consequently we were all given a dressing down. Cdr (S) F Crowther was the Supply Officer and Lt. R Rockey RN was the Supply Officer Cash.
Posted 28th January 1957 to Sydney where I took up the position of Commanders Office Writer. The Commander was A W Savage and the office was run by L/Cdr H Carlisle RN.
The Sydney made two trips in 1957 to the Great Barrier Reef, one before mid winter leave and the other one after, these two trips were not hard to take. The second trip was a survey trip involving two helicopters that were onboard. At the end of the second trip on the way home we were given the opportunity to have a flight in the helicopter. The pilot gave us an understanding as to what it was like to make a deck landing in a fixed wing aircraft. This was an experience I will never forget.
Then joined Watson 31st January 1958 and worked in the Accounts Office. On 13 June 1958 I joined Nirimba, worked the pay office and then surprisingly I was posted as the Electrical Officers Writer. I remained in that position until my next posting. I also played in the Depot cricket team.
9 May 1959 saw me posted to Lonsdale, Navy Office, working in the Manning Department. On 15 September 1959 I moved to Harman when Navy Office was moved to Canberra. On 6 November 1959 I was rated A/Ldg/Wtr.
8 January 1960 saw me posted to Queenborough working in the Captain’s Office. I was confirmed Ldg Wtr on arrival onboard. We sailed from Sydney on 15 February 1960 for our deployment in the Far East Station. We stopped at Cairns, Darwin then onto Singapore via the Lombok Strait. Whilst in the Far East we visited Hong Kong, Kudat, Labuan, Bangkok, Satahib and Penang. I was one of four Naval Personnel who drove the ship’s Land rover from Penang to Singapore. As usual many exercises were carried. Plenty of sport was played. I represented the ship in cricket and soccer and had the honour of playing cricket with the RN in the local competition.
29 June 1960 we were relieved by Quiberon sailed for home on that day via Darwin, Cairns and arriving home on 15 July 1960. 7 January saw me posted to HMAS Kuttabul and I was discharged on 13 March 1961. I enlisted in the RAFR on 14 March 1961 and on 15 February 1965 enlisted in the RANER.
I completed ACT as follows: Sydney on 10/11/1965 and 10/07/1966, 5/06/1967 Kuttabul. Enlisted RANR on 16/02/1968 at Rushcutter until RANR was transferred to Watson. Whilst in Watson I completed and investigated into all the ships named “Archer” as the Reserve Training Vessel was Archer. I found six ships named Archer, five in the RN plus our one. A small booklet was put together and printed in the Navy League Magazine. It has been updated as another Archer has been built for the RN.
Joined Stalwart 16/03/1968 for ACT and Cerberus 1/12/1968 for Petty Officer Writer’s course. Rated A/PO.Wtr(P) 3/03/1969 and my ACT (13/09/1969) was the Advanced NBCD Course. Confirmed PO/Wtr on 3/03/ 1970. Further ACT in Watson7/03/1970, Yarra 24/09/1971 and Cerberus 8/10/1972. I took my discharge from the RANR on 15 February 1974.
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Sharman, 'Beachball'
Stories about Beachball: Pat McGeown says “Beachball was one of the characters in our Branch. Whilst at Moreton he posted in as a POWTR in the Pay Office. He was involved with the Senior Sailors mess. The best time to get him was about 1030 to 1130 each day. One morning he came to work with his hands cut to pieces. The night prior after the mess closed he tried to release some mud crabs from the crab pot under the wharf. They won.”
John Pretty says “ I worked with the Beachball at Penguin 1963-64 era. I recall he had a liking for a "wee drop" or two. Her also had a VW Station wagon that was more often than not running out of petrol in the most inconvenient places e.g. Cahill Expressway lanes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, blocking up traffic for a long way behind. His only comment was something to the effect of "sh*t Happens
Nobby Clark says “ I served with Beachball in 65/66 at RUSHCUTTER - what a draft. We also shared a flat at Bayswater Road Kings Cross along with Tubby Tressider(SN). We had about 8 set of keys as our flat was the stopping off place for the Victualling Run (Sel Norish) on it way back from KUTTABUL, then all those in the know used to drop in and pick up their little parcels.
I think this is maybe where I really learnt how to drink. But I do remember some great times. Especially Beachballs then girlfriend - later wife, Kathy - who used to drop in and do the washing/ironing and cleaning. What a great lady.”
Maurie Jeppeson says “The Beach, I posted into PENGUIN as a WTR2 and in my only time in the pay office (2 weeks) the Beach was the LWTR. The second day there Beach said to me coming up for the mess for lunch. I was gob smacked a LH inviting me to lunch. The Beach introduced me to Ron Cope (the Bar Manager) and between 12 and 12:30 I managed 6 beers. The Beach had 8. I was back at work at 12:45 and the afternoon was a blur.The next day when the Beach invited me again I begged off. Fortunately I was sent to the Personnel Officer to work with POWTR "Wog" Watson the next week, saving my liver. Wonderful days. “
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Sheehan, C N Deceased 2004
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Shugg, Frank 
My P.N.F. service began from Melbourne as a Rct. Wtr. O/N R 37196 on 7th March, 1949 and concluded with retirement on 11th May, 1986 as LCDR SD SU and added to that two three month periods of Reserve Service.
The intake was a large one over 100 recruits and transport from Lonsdale to Cerberus was in an Army semi trailer fitted with wooden bench seats. Class M 44 commenced under the supervision of Ldg Smn Morrison and Belbin. Seamanship training was onboard Latrobe and Writer Instructors were Commissioned Writer Officer Nick Carter and CPO Wtr Edwin Rogers at the Supply School the OIC Senior Commissioned Writer Alf Calder. Some writers on this course were Barry Benfield John Burge Bob Bryce Les Corkery Gordon Gent Spencer Mansfield John Murrells John Moy and Don Tillett.
Progression through the rank structure to CPO Wtr was in 1962 whilst at the Supply School. It was here that I qualified Instructor CPO WTR I, was selected as Chief of the Queens Colour to parade through Melbourne to the Shrine of Remembrance now called Navy Week, and approved for over age selection for SD Candidate. Promoted SUB LT SD SU W in 1966 number 02569.
During this period saw many changes; Supply Officers losing their distinctive white between the gold braid to the executive look, from pen and ink you had to make to biro through three pay systems from KR&AI to Din Pers, S/c's to data processing computer printouts and modern technology in video screens.
Twenty-four postings in all, some more memorable than others.
On ship MURCHISON for service in Korea, witnessed the A Bomb explosion at Monte Bello, enjoyed the Queen's first Splice the Main Brace. Tarangau lasting memories of personalities and party tricks, the site where Japanese War Criminals were tried and hanged, watching the Qantas Constellation aircraft's hairy take off with one hundred sailors and one lady onboard bound for Australia. Penguin 4th Submarine Squadron, a sea experience in RN Submarine S 23 ANDREW — wow-, received an award from Herbert Lott Trust Fund. Ship Melbourne launched and arrested in a Tracker Aircraft to pick up more Australian and Foreign currency in Singapore, then the disaster with USS EVANS. Special memories with last sea posting as SO Supply with Captain David Martin.
Cerberus has always been a special place, whilst participating in many sporting activities steered the S&S Field Gun crew to itsonly victory, attended the first trial week long no leave combined Army, Navy moral leadership course with two other Ldg Wtrs Jack Cummins and Laurie Kenny, qualified for cross rifles, awarded ledger certificate. Served with what must have been an unmatched time in the Pay Block the two tallest then Commissioned Writers Lofty Langworthy and Ed Rogers and the two shortest CPO Writers Irving and Walkerden, and during this period the amazing race of one writer chasing Big Ed with an axe, a long story. Met and married LWR WTR P Heather Southam, have two children. Witnessed the march past with Cdre Shimmin after presentation of the LS & GCM, the twenty pound gratuity ($40) came later.
Outside the normal duties of the Supply Department other areas included Deputy Director of Sailors Postings, Staff Officer DNT overseas training, defence co-operation training organization and finance, Recruiting Officer Western Australia, and OIC AUST FASO Seattle USA for ships Sydney and Darwin. On Sydney's departure for Australia after the formalities alongside the ship sailed and received three cheers from Ship's Company. Following departure of ship Darwin closed down the office with many memories including the heaviest snow fall recorded in Seattle just before departure and having successfully dispensed and balanced over twenty two million dollars in three and a half years.
There has been many incidents, humorous and otherwise and wonderful people and personalities too numerous to mention individually that I have met and shared company with during my Naval career.
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Siegman, Andy
Ex-CPOWTR served July 1976 to Sep 1997. Shore postings included Harman (NO), Cerberus, Nirimba, Penguin, Platypus, Harman, Albatross & Coonawarra. Served in ships Brisbane (1979-81), Tobruk (1984-86) and Moresby (1989-91). Also served at HADS PNG 1986-88 and at RANLO Bahrain 1992.
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Simpson, Kevin Henry
R29880 Joined 12/03/1946 Discharged 17/12/1968. Rank on Discharge CPOWTR
Served (alphabetical) - Albatross, Anzac, Cerberus, Lonsdale, Melbourne, Melville, Nirimba, Penguin, Quickmatch, Sydney, Vengeance. Awarded, AASM with Clasp Malaya, NGSM with clasp Malaya,UNSM Korea, ASM with Clasps Koprea and FESR, LS&GCM, RAS Badge.
After discharge, he became Office Manager and later CEO Naval Health Benefits 16 Jan 69 to 4 Aug 1988.
Honorary Member for Life, RAN Writers Association.
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Sinclair, Alan Deceased 28/10/2006
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Skene, Arthur James
Arthur's Navy career spanned both RANR and PNF service commencing as an RANR 16 year old C adet Writer in 1960, through 28 years permanent service to finally conclude as the Director of Reserves-Navy as an RANR Commander in 2001. He served in Rushcutter, Penguin, Wagga, Watson and Vendetta as a Writer in the RANR before joining the RAN in January 1963, rising through the ranks from Recruit WTR to CPOWTR with service in Cerberus, Kuttabul, Harman (NO), Melbourne (FOCAF), Tarangau (WTR and LSWTR),Albatross, Watson, Tarangau (POWTR and CPOWTR) and Penguin.
In 1974 he was promoted to the Special Duties List as a Writer officer and served in Penguin, Coonawarra (NOCNA),and Harman (NO-DNOP). While serving as Secretary to the Naval Establishments and Ships Complements Committee on the staff of DGNM, he was transferred to the General List and then served in Melbourne, the Defence Establishments Division, Cerberus, Cairns (Base Supply Officer), where he was promoted Commander in December 1984, then Kuttabul (Admiral's Secretary to FONSC), Cerberus (Supply Officer) and Harman ( NO) and Defence Headquarters. Following transfer to the Reserve List in February 1991 his Defence service continued as an Administrative Service Officer with the 2nd Field Logistic Battalion (Business Manager), Anzac Class Logistics Office, Defence Establishments Organisation, Army Command and Staff College (Business Manager), and the Strategic Resource Analysis Section in Defence Headquarters. He was asked to return to RANR service on a continuous basis (3-4 days each week) from mid 2000 as Assistant Director of Personnel (Reserves) and finally as Director of Reserves-Navy on the staff of Director General Reserves-Navy.
He stepped ashore from continuous Reserve/Defence service in late 2001. Arthur was transferred to the Retired List of the RAN in February 2004, having served the RAN and RANR for a total of 43 years and 10 months.(Updated 30 November 2007)
P ictures: Top left 2001 - top right 1965 As Writer in the Admirals office Melbourne. Picture left 1972 CPOWTR Arthur Skene instructs WTR Dave Saffel, Pay Office Tarangau. Right: 1972 CPOWTR Arthur Skene instructs WTR Emmanuel Bogea, Pay Office Tarangau
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Small, Kerry T
CPOWTR retired. Kerry & Cynthia still have their lovely house at Castle Hill but also have a property at Grose Wold (near North Richmond NSW) to breed exotic animals.
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Smith, Derek Arthur
 PROBATIONARY WRITER TO COMMANDER GLSU. Derek joined the RAN in May, 1953 from the RN. His parents were 10 pound migrants and, being still under age 21, he was accepted for transfer. Joined HMAS SYDNEY II in Portsmouth during her Coronation Cruise and stayed on board for a 10 month Korean deployment to August, 1954. Mentors included CPOWtr John Sherwood and POWtr Jack Cummins. Posted to Captain's Office, HMAS Watson as Wtr and L.Wtr to Jan,1957 thence HMAS Anzac (Battle Class) to Aug.1958. (Cmdr JP Stevenson in command, SO Ken Schmack, Indon. Konfrontasi, Malaya). Various postings in Sydney area to July,1960. Thence HMAS Voyager as PO Wtr(SO-Bertie Worrall), Malaysia, FES Strategic Reserve) and HMAS Swan (WWII Sloop, Midn Training Ship) to Sep 1962. HMAS Penguin & Albatross Pay and Cash offices until promoted ASLT SDSU Jan 1965. Thence from SO-Pay and SO Cash at Cerberus to various postings including HMAS Sydney (again) as Capt.Sec and later DSO, under SO Capt Ian Crawford. Later HMAS Anzac(again) as SO. Time in Anzac included Christchurch Commonwealth Games in 1974. Paid Anzac off as her last SO and Senior Officer. Final signal ended "United we Stood". Career Highlights: Promotion to Officer in 1965, Peter Mitchell Prizewinner 1972, Transfer at LCdr level from SD List to General List, Staff Officer to Chiefs of Naval Materiel Radms GJ Willis, PH Doyle and David Martin in Navy Office, 2 years on exchange with the RN (as a Cmdr) in Ship Design of DFSR. All the good mates served with, both non-commissioned and commissioned., including special mates Frank Shugg (my best man) and Graham Smith. Retired from RAN in 1983 from posting as Manager Materiel, Garden Island Dockyard. Now living as a fully retired person at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
The Story
"Stop both engines". The Captain's quiet command rang out across the darkened bridge "Stop both engines" The Officer of the Watch epeated into the wheelhouse voicepipe.
"Stop both engines" Repeated the Chief Coxswain, some three decks below in the tiny wheelhouse. At the same time, the Telegraph repeater handles were swung right round, back again, and back to the RED stop position. A bell clanged as the repeater was acknowledged from the engineroom far below in the bowels of the Ship.
"Both Engines Stopped Sir" reported the Chief Coxswain
"Full Astern both engines" "Three short blasts" Again the calm, measured tones of Cap tain George Carmichael Oldham sounded, to be repeated again down the chain.
A few moments later, the whole ship started to pulsate and vibrate as the mighty bronze propellors. metres under the stern of the ship obeyed the irresistible urging of the steam turbines, to thrash the water into foam trying to stop the momentum of this 23,000 ton Light Fleet Aircraft Carrier.
Further engine and helm orders were to follow
Carrying a full complement of propellor driven Sea Fury and Firefly aircraft, thousands of gallons of highly flammable Avgas to drive them, magazines full of Bombs and Bullets, and a full complement of over 1000 men, HMAS Sydney(II) was, herself, a floating bomb suddenly threatened with catastrophic collision from an unknown vessel in the twisting, tortuous confines of the Shimonoseki Strait, as she moved between the two main Japanese Islands of Honshu and Kyushu, on her way to another patrol off the West coast of Korea towards the end of what was to become known as "The forgotten war". The strait was supposed to be clear for "Sydney" to night transit, but somehow, 3 separate US LSTs, moving at eight knots with a three knot (and increasing) tidal stream from west to east, had slipped into the strait under cover of darkness. Narrowly missing the by now stopped Aircraft Carrier, and passing close down her Starboard side, a bellow from the darkened bridge of the first LST demanded to know "Why don't you get out of the f g way". Over the next two hours, the same drama played out twice more with disaster narrowly averted.
Of course, none of the events being played out on the Bridge was. at the time, known to Probationary Writer Derek Smith, a young lad of eighteen, swinging in his Hammock and trying to get to sleep in the Supply and Secretariat mess below the main hangar deck. That knowledge would come later as, obeying the instructions of the Captain's Secretary (Lieutenant `Shakes' Walker, RAN). he typed 6 perfect copies of the Captain's report of the incident which, after the Captain's signature was to be despatched to CTG 95.1, CinC, FES and FOCAF back in Sydney, to arrive some weeks later. There was, of course no electronic mail in those days.
Only a relative newcomer to the Royal Australian Navy, Derek had joined HMAS SYDNEY almost 12 months previously in Portsmouth, England, where the ship, having transported the Coronation Contingent to the United Kingdom, was to represent Australia in the Spithead Naval Review and to witness the young Queen Elizabeth II and her equally young husband (Prince Phillip) as they sailed down the unending lines of some 213 ships flying the White Ensign, 16 foreign warships, numerous fleet auxiliaries, merchant vessels, tall ships, yachts and pleasure craft of all kinds anchored off Spithead, to the cheers of sailors lining their upper decks.
After a childhood spent in the rural countryside of the Cotswolds and later in York, England, during which he had found an interest in the Sea Cadet Corps, rising to the rank of Petty Officer Cadet, Derek had attempted to gain entry as a Midshipman to the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth. In those days however, weak eyesight was a bar to entry as an Officer and he had to settle for entry as a rating; in his case, again due to weak eyesight, a Writer. This was still only seven years after the end of WWII and the RN (and the RAN too) were very different organizations to the present services.
After initial courses at Portsmouth (HMS Victory) and a specialist course at HMS Ceres at Wetherby, Yorkshire (within a bicycle ride of York), he was posted to the Navy's Mobilization Office in Portsmouth, where a small team of writers maintained a card system record of de-mobilized RN S&S personnel, in case the Korean war situation got worse.
Father meanwhile, who had some years previously expressed an interest in emigration to South Africa and/or Australia, had been approached by Australia House with a firm offer of a job as Head Gardener at Yarralumla, the Governor General's Residence in Canberra. A government rented house went with the job which, basically, was to 'fix up' the gardens in time for the new Queen's tour of Australia in 1954. Since they would thus escape the pleasures of the immigrant camp at Villawood, or East Hills, this came under the heading of an offer too good to refuse and, late in 1952, leaving their only daughter (married with one child) in York, and their eldest son in the Royal Navy, they found themselves embarked in SS New Australia, as "Ten Pound Migrants" on their way to the Great (unknown) South Land.
Being still under the age of eighteen, Derek was eligible, under the terms of an Admiralty Fleet Order, to apply for transfer from the Royal Navy to the Royal Australian Navy. Provided, of course that the RAN wanted him. Since he had been trained in the noble art of being a Writer and fortuitously, there being an RAN ship in the area, the RAN would save the cost of a full kit of clothing, initial recruit training and specialist course training. Also, with a RAN Ship fortuitously in the area, they would also save the cost of a passenger ship fare from England to Australia. So, the RAN decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and the answer was Yes. So in May, 1953, KitBag over one shoulder, hammock over the other and excited hopes in his back pocket, young Derek found himself saluting the quarterdeck of HMAS Sydney as he joined his new ship, his new Navy, his new country and his new life.
There were some downs to this part of the story. Having spent my teens in Yorkshire, the accent was a bit strong, the attitude was a bit 'superior' and the system inculcated was a bit different. However shipmates in HMAS Sydney were excellent and soon put young Derek in the picture. SA(N) Wally Scholz, in particular was invaluable as an extremely patient attitude advisor and other messmates soon knocked the sharp edges off. "When in Rome - do as the Romans do" was excellent advice and the accent soon became less noticeable, to eventually disappear altogether. Others, some of whose names have now unfortunately disappeared into the mists of time were also invaluable. However, L/Wtr Kevin Henry Simpson, Chief Writer John Sherwood and PO Wtr Jack Cummins come to mind in particular from the 'Sydney' days. John Sherwood sticks in the mind particularly as the one who told me, when I was about to sit an exam for Leading Writer - "Leading Writer? You? You'll never be a Leading Writer as long as your arse points to the ground". I remembered those words at each subsequent promotion, including elevation to Commander some twenty two years later in 1974. Kevin Simpson was later to become CEO of NHBS after leaving the Navy many years later.
Following the Coronation Cruise when, like Jules Verne, the ship travelled some 30.000 miles (48,000km) in 90 days, there was time for some leave in the country town that was Canberra in those days, before re-joining HMAS Sydney for her last deployment to the Korean conflict between October 1953 and August, 1954. Based in Kure for the majority of her ten months away from Australia, HMAS Sydney would re-fuel and re-arm before cruising through the Inland Sea of Japan to transit the Shimonoseki before taking up station off the Korean west coast. The weather was mainly cold and seas rough, but what did we care; We all received half a tin of sardines per day per man to ward off the cold and Writers were warm and cozy in their offices far below.
Finally, it was time to leave my first RAN Ship to go to the Radar and Navigation school (as it was then) at HMAS Watson on the beautiful South Head, Sydney. Watson then was a collection of WWII huts on the headland. The TAS School and permanent buildings one sees today were not there in 1954. The Captain's office was a larger hut than the rest, but still a hut. Captain Timothy Monckton Synnot, (brother of the later CNS and CDFS Vice Admiral Anthony Monckton Synnot), was quite a character but, like many 'characters' good to work for. The HMAS Watson chapel was, at that time, still a tin hut but Chaplain Trainer was even then talking of the perfect spot to build a memorial chapel. While at Watson, in the first repudiation of Jack Sherwood's prophecy, I was promoted to L/Wtr.
In January, 1957, after 2.5 happy years at Watson, I was posted to my first stint in HMAS Anzac. Battle class Destroyer undergoing refit in Williamstown. I was the L/Wtr in the Captain's Office, part of a structure of offices behind the single `stack' with a couple of twin STAAG Bofors on the roof. with PO Wtr Ken Purdie and Wtr Ron Dalgleish behind the filing cabinets as the pay office. It is of little wonder that my hearing is now so poor. When those Bofors went off, the noise and vibration were unbelievable, to say nothing of the shower of asbestos lagging and dust in the air. But that was well after the Williamstown refit was finished and we became a true Warship. Captain was Cmdr John Phillip Stevenson, XO was Leut R G Loosli and SO Leut Ken Schmack. My particular 'oppo' was LSBA Harry Wood. Whatever became of him?. What a happy ship she was. We deployed to the Far East Strategic Reserve, for the usual six to eight months. Those were the days of Indonesian "Konfrontasi'; and transits of the Sunda straits were a bit frought. Malaya was in the throes of becoming Malaysia, and we were there for 'Merdeka'. We visited the Philippines, North Borneo, (Sandakan) and of course Singapore while HMS Terror was still going. In other incidents, we survived a 6 week self maintenance period in the bottom of the dry dock at HMS Tamar, in Wanchai, Hong Kong when a Typhoon swept over the island. (It is quite disturbing to see green water coming over the Caisson at the end of the dock while the ship is sitting on the dock bottom with a great hole in her bottom).
In those days too, Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong harbour off Kowloon contained the RN Rifle Range and we camped there for several days while the whole Ship's Company requalified on .303 rifle firing. One could also borrow 14 foot sailing dinghies from HMS Tamar and around Stonecutters was a favourite dinghy sailing course. Now, the island is buried under the Hong Kong international airport. Hong Kong was our favourite port. 'Phil' Stevenson always managed to bring the ship alongside at the far end of the Destroyer Basin in HMS Tamar with no tugs and no fuss. When, one day I plucked up the courage to ask how he did it, his reply was that he had 80,000 hp down below and he used every one.We also had many a good `Banyan' at Pulau Tioman island off Malaysia which, I believe is now a high priced tourist destination. To venture off the beach into the jungle then was to come back covered in leeches and other nasties.
During more local exercises we "accidentally" put a 4.5 inch round through one of sister ship Tobruk's gunbays, fired a live 21 inch torpedo at White Topped Rocks, over in WA waters, only to have the torpedo gyro topple and the weapon double back to explode on the rocky bottom directly under the ship. One of the Officers (I think it was 'Dolly' Gray had a sore head for a while caused when the scuttle deadlight through which he was goofing, dislodged and banged his head.
My time in (battle class) HMAS ANZAC was an eventful and satisfying posting in a happy shipwith a great Captain in Commander J.P. Stevenson, RAN and a good S & S team. After all, we did win the Gloucester Cup for 1957 (best all round performance in the RAN). In January, 1958, ANZAC was getting tired and a long period in dockyard hands was scheduled. There was little work which could be foreseen for a full Ship's Company so the ship, although not de-commissioned, was "de-crewed" and I was posted to the `leader', (sister ship) HMAS TOBRUK for six months, until DSP could get its act together. The ship was alongside for most of the time and Captain (Richard Innes Peek) and his crew were quite different to ANZAC.
August, 1958 saw me posted to HMAS KUTTABUL (FOICEA). For the modern sailor this means Flag Officer in Charge, East Australia Area. For me it meant a fairly dull life in the Garden Island Central Registry. The only lights in the tunnel were provided by my mates in the job, 'Googa' Gent and Joe Bice. Making up files, cataloguing and distributing was pretty boring work after my trip 'up top' in ANZAC. However, we did have great fun at the expense of the civvies who thought they were in charge of the Registry.
Promotion to Petty Officer Writer (and thoughts again of John Sherwood and his gibes) came in May, 1959 after six years in the Andrew and at the end of July, 1959 I went to my next shore job in the Pay Office at HMAS Penguin. In those days Penguin was a great place to be, especially the social aspects of the Petty Officers' Mess and the close proximity to the bright lights of Sydney. Then came the more serious side of being a senior sailor, when I undertook the Petty Officer Staff Course in HMAS Cerberus. The reader must remember that, being a re-tread from the RN, I had never been to Cerberus before and here I was seeing Cerberus for the first time as a Petty Officer Writer. I can't remember who it was, but someone once told me that when he woke as a recruit at Cerberus on his second day in, he looked out of the window of his recruit block at daylight to a vista of hoare frost on the playing fields, knowing he was about to have to go out there to do PT. His first thought on that day was "I've made a terrible mistake". After several subsequent postings to CERBERUS, I have always been able to completely understand that thought.
In July of that year (1960), another draft to sea. This time to HMAS VOYAGER (left) (Daring class), Captain D.C.Wells, RAN in command and Lieutenant Commander SDSU(S) Bill (Bertie) Worrall as Supply Officer. I found Voyager to be an exciting ship. Fast, sleek, every bit a greyhound of the seas. We were deployed to the Far East Strategic Reserve during IndonesianKonfrontasi and visited Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand where the Senior Sailors were entertained at his private residence by the (then) Military & Naval Attache (Captain J.P. Stevenson). (See Part1-HMAS ANZAC). I often reflect and wonder in our more modern Navy whether that sort of entertainment would now be contemplated. Of course it wasn't all play, although the Navy of those days did seem to get to 'play' more than I believe they do today. There seemed to be more opportunity for fun then, and we did have fun. The P.O's Mess organized and went for runs ashore together on more than one occasion. Seamen, Chippies, Engineers, `Leckies, Writer and Stores (N) & (V) all played together as well as worked together.
Unusual for the times was a visit to India. Before returning to Australia in mid 1961, we travelled up through the Straits of Malacca between Sumatra and Malaysia to reach the Indian Ocean. Anyone who has transited the Straits will know that it is a very busy international waterway. Heading north again, we entered the Bay of Bengal and then sedately proceeded 150km up the Hooghly river to anchor in the stream off the great city of Calcutta, sprawling on the west bank of the river. The Hooghly, an arm of the mighty Ganges looked to us a little like a much larger version of the Yarra in that it was very brown and turgid. But, unlike the Yarra it also served as a laundry, a bathroom for millions of lower caste Indians and, on several occasions during our 4 day stay, bodies were seen floating gently past the ship. My impressions, retained over the years are that Calcutta was hot, smelly and extremely crowded, with bicycles and rickshaw style taxis everywhere and cattle roaming the streets. I'm not sure about now, but then cows were sacred to the Hindu religion and could not be cleared out of the city.
After our stay and following a transit back down the river, we headed for the central east coast and a destination no-one had ever heard of - Vishakhapatnam. VOYAGER was the first Australian warship ever to visit Vishak and we went simply to replenish and refuel. Its only claim to fame is that it was - and is - the home base of a large proportion of the Indian Navy fleet. Apart from that it is a pretty bare place. In the early 1960s, the Naval Base had just started construction and, although some Indian Navy Ships were there it, in company with the town beyond, had not progressed far. Security was very tight as the Indians were purchasing mainly Russian ships, changing direction from the days immediately after the Raj when their fleet comprised mainly ex Royal Navy Ships.
We returned to Australia in mid 1961 and in September, I went to the old sloop SWAN. A grand old ship but with many idiosyncracies. Slow and not particularly comfortable, but then she had been bombed by the Japanese in Darwin in WWII. In 1961 she was the Midshipman Training Ship and we spent that summer visiting Adelaide, then Tasmania for the Hobart Regatta, and the winter cruising the Barrier Reef.
One of the old ship's problems was that the astern turbine was stuffed and the Engineer could only manage 2 to 3 minutes going astern before he must take steam off the blades. I never did find out why.
However, when manoeuvring in the Torrens, things got a bit tricky from time to time. But, in their own way we had great times. My time in SWAN was particularly memorable in that while on board, it was the only occasion I ever stated a complaint against an Officer. The cause should not be discussed here, but the personal, but official, complaint to the Captain was against the First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander (Later Admiral) Michael William Hudson. The Captain, Commander Peter J. Hutson RAN found in my favour and I received an apology from the XO. Typical of Mike Hudson, he bore no later grudge against me for having the temerity to bring him to task.
Twelve months after joining SWAN, having completed just over two years seatime, I went back to HMAS PENGUIN, this time as Assistant Secretary and in charge of the Registry and Service Records. Captain John Dowson was in command and I recall my time in PENGUIN as a very relaxed depot in a beautiful spot on the harbour. The names of my Writer colleagues escape me now, with the exception of Leading Writer/Petty Officer Writer `Salty" Eckel, who seemed to spend more time playing, coaching and writing about sport than normal Writer's work. But a great friend and character nonetheless. Vale Salty.
Towards the end of my time in PENGUIN, came that terrible night in February, 1964 when my old ship the beautiful VOYAGER, inexplicably impaled herself across the bows of HMAS MELBOURNE with such tragic results. With many others, I was called to help out in Fleet Headquarters, manning phones and doing whatever was necessary. Those days were not made any easier knowing that several people that I had known were still in VOYAGER and were subsequently listed as casualties. Chief Coxswain `Buck' Rogers, who would have been calling Tombola in the forward cafeteria, being one of them.
Having avoided the delights of southern NSW so far in my career, that all came to an end in April, 1964 with a posting (draft) to HMAS ALBATROSS. Of course, we still had a Fleet Air Arm then, so the station under the command of Captain (later Rear Admiral) 'Black Jack' Mesley, was busy and so were we in the Accounts Office. Four years earlier, I had attempted the CW exams for promotion to Officer.
My record and recommendations since then had been complimentary enough to persuade the Naval Board that I deserved a chance. So, in January, 1965, in company with POSN (Petty Officer Stores Naval) Jack Petrie, we found ourselves posted, without even the benefit of a "Knife, Fork and Spoon" course, to HMAS CERBERUS as Acting Supply Sub Lieutenants.
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Smith, Doug Deceased 01/07/2001
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Smith, Joanne (Jo)
Nee Hancock. Ex WRWTR. Served at Cerberus, Penguin and as a Reservist at DNR Pers and RTEO Navy Office Canberra.
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Smith, Kate
Nee Triffitt Served 1983-1994 Served Harman(NO), Stirling and Platypus.
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Smith, Keith
 Served November 1942 until February 1947. Served in new Guinea and HMAS Manoora from August 1945-1947. The following story he relates: ” I was one of the four Writers who were drafted to HMAS “Ping Wo” when it became the headquarters of the NOIC new Guinea. Captain J M Armstrong later took over the ‘Aussie’ when Captain Dechineux lost his life in the Philippines. I was the Writer to Captain J M Armstrong when we had our headquarters in a planter’s house among the coconut plantations at Milne Bay 1943. I remember typing out his message to the Naval Board, “We want a Headquarters ship” so the “Ping Wo” was drafted to new Guinea. When it arrived about July 1944, three other Writers were drafted to it. One still attends the Chinese ships reunions and the other two have passed on.
On the anniversary of the Japanese midget submarine raid in Sydney Harbour 30th May 1942, I attended the service as I did last year, the 60th anniversary: From the 16th April 1943 until 1st September 1943 I was in HMAS Penguin and worked in the Captains Office alongside a Royal Navy Petty Officer Writer T E McCalley PMx55451, and he often told me his story: He was serving on either RN Battleship “Prince of Wales” or “Repluse” when they were both sunk off Singapore, December 1942. He was saved and taken to Colombo and the ship he was taken on HMS CORNWALL, was also sunk by Japanese planes. Apparently another ship brought him and his mates to Sydney. On the 30th May he told me he was sleeping on the upper deck of the Kuttabul while his English mates were on the lower deck. The Japanese torpedo struck the wall of Garden Island adjacent to the Kuttabul and the blast propelled through the open doors of the ferry into the sea. His mates below were killed (AB Frank Kirby of HMS Cornwall and ORDSMN David Trist of HMS REPLUSE). He often told me, he thought he was dreaming. Of all places to be sunk a third time, in Sydney Harbour, was beyond him and he went to put his head back on the pillow. He was saved somehow. I used to say to him “why don’t you put in for a draft back to the old dart”, but he would not reply. A few years back I heard from Writer J Swales RIP, that he had a girl friend in Sydney. For the past ten years I tried to find out what happened to him, without result. I was drafted to New Guinea in September 1943 and lost all contact. See photos provided by Keith in the 1940 photos section.
At HMAS Cerberus on VP Day - I was in HMAS CERBERUS as the war was coming to an end. The ship's company had all just retired to our hammocks when a call came over the loudspeaker. The war is over. We soon got out of our hammocks and assembled in front of "the Blocks", still in shock. A call went up: We want the Wets! We want the Wets! I.e. for the wet canteen to be reopened in order to celebrate.
About 500 veteran sailors ambled to the Officers' Wardroom shouting ‘We want the Wets!’ The duty officer appeared and addressed them: Lads! We have no official word that the war is over but when we hear we'll open the Wets for you. So we ambled back to our hammocks. The war was over two days later. My mate and I were supposed to remain on duty that weekend but we agreed there was no use in staying. So off we want to Melbourne, being picked up on the road by a truck. My mate met his girl at Frankston while I arrived in Melbourne after midnight, Friday August 15th, when the celebrations were coming to an end.
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Smith. Kenneth
 (Left HMAS Swan 1981)P/N 125442. I remember visiting the Melbourne Recruiting Office in 1978 as a 15 year old, and speaking with POWTR Crossley about joining the Navy. He asked me what sort of job I wanted, to which I replied, “well . . . your job would be good”. He wrote ‘Writer’ on my application form. Well, 22 years of service and I never actually made it to a Recruiting Office despite ticking that box on my PE42 on every occasion.
I am a Whelan-trained Writer, along with the famous Rod St. George, Wayne Riordan, fellow JRs Dale Wiese, Damien Roberts, and others. We were released to practise our Writer wizardry in March 1980 I think it was, and my first posting was DSP. I worked for Sue Finch and Norm Leaney in the Communicators Cell (section 6). It was a good first posting for me – I learned a lot. Poor old Norm though, Sue and I both smoked and Norm was such a health fanatic. He really didn’t like the smoke filled cubicle (it was a rather small office), but it was fairly common in those days. There were quite a few good scribes there in 1980 – in no particular order – the living legend Pat McGeown of course, Mick Devenish, Terry Wigney, Casper Healey, Kevin Radnidge, Graeme Campbell, Amanda Parkinson (what a hunny), and many others of course. Pat McGeown asked me where I wanted to be posted to after DSP – I asked for LONSDALE, and blow me down if I didn’t find myself at LONSDALE. Young SMNWTR Smith posted to relieve the then LSWTR Steve Salmon in the Pay Office. Great job – great team. Col Bray, Andy Thomas, Rus Houston, Mick Boyd, and Kipper Houghton (he was in town somewhere - RTF?) I wasn’t there very long, but long enough to become reasonably proficient in the newly introduced Interim Navy Pay System (INPS). So when I joined SWAN in April 1981, JJ Nash put me in the Pay seat. Pete Johnston was my LSWTR and Steve Flockton was the other AB. Later, Steve left and Bill Tannock joined us. Did some great trips in SWAN – had a ball – all before my 20th birthday. Actually, one of the funniest things to have happened to me was in 1982 while in Hawaii. Along with JJ Nash, and Jonno (I think Bill Tannock may have been there too), I was caught climbing the fence between Pearl Naval Base and Hickham Airforce Base. You see to go from one to the other is a rather long taxi ride, but if you just climb the fence, they’re real close. Well, we had been shopping at the Hickham PX and then got caught literally ‘mid-fence’. The MPs confiscated our ID cards and drove us back to our ship (saved a taxi fare I guess). The next day, our ID Cards were given to the QM in an envelope addressed ‘Commanding Officer HMAS SWAN’, and promptly delivered by the Bosuns Mate to the Ship’s Office. Inside the envelope was a letter explaining how we had been bad boys, and our ID Cards. Of course JJ just opened up the envelope, read the letter, threw it in the bin and dealt out the ID cards. “It’s nice being the Secretary” he said, and of course this had nothing to do with the Captain.
After SWAN, I headed north to COONAWARRA, where I met up again with Kipper (once again, he was in town somewhere – Naval Headquarters?) I worked for Rocky Rochford in Pay and Accounts, and I recall the first day in the office. I was looking out of the Pay Office windows admiring the gardens and just taking in my new surrounds. Referring to the tropically clad gardeners, with their casual attire and wide brim straw hats, I casually commented, “That’s the life hey”. Rocky, as quick as a flash, responded, “Well, we will see how you shape up – you might join them yet”. Well, I didn’t so I guess I met Rocky’s standard. Also in Darwin I met and had some pretty good times with Rudi Suckow, Radar (Dave) Ryan, Ned Sparkes, Andy Beales, Daryl Branford, Steve Manley, Danny Colgan, Swampy (Shane) Marsh, Kathy Leonard and others. I was promoted to LS while at CONAWARRA and I also attended and passed an officer selection board. I left Darwin in August 1984 bound for life as a Midshipman at the Naval College. A couple of other fellow scribes were at the College also – Ken Gardiner, and Angie Klumpp. Angie and I were of about the same seniority, so with our Non Reduction Allowance, we were equal second highest paid MIDs at the College, and we used to make sure they all knew it …haha
My career as an officer added another 16 years to my 6 years as a Writer. Obviously as a Supply Officer I came across many more Writers who looked after me as I progressed my career. How can I ever forget Wally Bowring? My Writer onboard FLINDERS – nearly lost Wally!! He was dripping wet in his overalls, been treading water for about 8 hours. It had just gone sunset, and Wally says to me “I heard you have some typing for me to do Sir”. What does one say to that? I just said “It’s OK Wally, I’ll do it, you can have the rest of the night off”. Angie Hillis, and Wayne Swadling while I was at MORETON, Mark Worrall at DNSC helped me a lot, John Cadman at MNLS, Dawn Kearn and Petra Fry at DSUP-N, Tony Palmer and Brad Golder were absolute professionals while onboard HOBART, and were a pleasure to work with. All of these people assisted me and were very supportive. I also came across many ex Writers like Les Roberts, Paddy O’Brien, Dave Speight, Brian Eagles, Phil Griffiths, Paul Breen, Kev Drinkwater, Ted Brown, Ian Kelly, Ken Wanklyn, and Kel Turner, who had either retired from the Navy or transferred to officer. Many of them also assisted me in one way or another. I officially retired in 2001 as a LCDR GLSU Q+, although I actually walked out the door in 1999. My final posting was as Supply Officer HMAS HOBART, and my retirement present was the Supply Department winning, not only the coveted Silver Platter Award for culinary excellence, but also the Supply Excellence Award, for overall Supply proficiency. I believe it was the very first time in history, that a ship had received both awards in the same year. It was a nice way to leave the Service.
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Smith, Lewis (Lew)
R94121.Joined in July 1963 at Leeuwin. Saw service in Sydney 1964 as (ORDWTR), Moresby 1967 (ABWTR), Brisbane 1970 (LSWTR), Stalwart 1971 (LSWTR), Vampire 1979 (POWTR), Vendetta 1979 (CPOWTR) and iin the decommissioning crew. Like many other Victorians saw most of my shore service in Cerberus and Lonsdale. At Cerberus in particular on the volley ball court at lunch times Lew was affectionately known as "Leaping Lew Smith". In 1980 after Vendetta I was posted to Harman(NO) in S&S Postings. Posted to Recruiting Melbourne in 1982 and paid off as a CPOWTR in 1983 after 20 years service. I continued in the Navy Reserve as an Active and Inactive member until I was retired in 2005.
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Smyth, Arthur William (Bill)
Deceased 9th November 2002.At 16 (1969) Bill join the navy as a junior recruit at Leeuwin. During his service he served on HMAS Sydney, Queensborough, Cerberus, Watson and the Anzac prior to posting at PBF Cairns. He joined Waterhen in January 1974, then transferred to IBIS before his discharge from the Navy in August 1975. He died at the age of 49 years at Murgon, Qld. (Left 2002 Right 1969)
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Smythe, Stephen Arthur Deceased 20/11/1992
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Snowdon, Barbara
(nee Lyon) Served from Sep 60 to Sep 64. Was discharged DEE and then married a few days later. She served at Cerberus for about 14 months in The Captain's Office (Service Certificates), the Chief Writer was Ian McConnochie at that time and the Leading Writer was Jerry Lewis. Then drafted to Harman (NO) and was Director of WRANS Writer ( Chief Officer Joan Streeter was Director) after about 18 months she was drafted to Recruiting at Moreton, where she was the only uniformed female. Barbara was discharged as an Acting Petty Officer. Barbara is currently President of the WRANS sub-section of the NAA in Brisbane and also State Secretary of the Queensland section of the Naval Association of Australia which keep her busy. (Updated March 2005)
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Sorensen, Carl
I joined up in May 1964 (Rankin Division) at Recruit School, joined HMAS SYDNEY in July whilst it was in ‘Dry-dock’ a few months later we went to sea, there were quite a lot of sailors that were ‘sea sick’ I ended up in 2A Mess where the ships anchor went through our mess, what an unbearable noise that was when they dropped anchor. I was originally a ordinary seaman (Cook) and started in the Officers Galley, I requested to change to a ‘Writer’ and as that was granted had to stay extra time and started work in the Pay Office, all my original intake had posted back to Cerberus to learn there various trades. My Chief Writer on HMAS Sydney at the time was Jack Medaris and he ended up living in the same suburb as me and he only passed away about 8 years ago. I spent 15 months on Sydney
On board also was Ian Benfield, Charlie Sugden, who I met again at Kuttabul as a Leading seaman Writer, after our first trip to Vietnam and then again in 1987 at the welcome home Parade in Sydney only he was a two ringer then. Back to Cerberus to do my Writers course, Blackie & Robin Dix were there, Robin used to give me a lift each night to Nunawading on his ‘Bucatti’ and I hitch hiked back each morning.
I was posted to Kuttabul after my Writers course and was stationed at the ‘Old Kuttabul, a lovely old building, Commander Peachy was the CO at the time and the CO’s office was just a large room. The current Kuttabul was still being built. We were billeted over at HMAS Penguin, so it was bus trips to & from each base. Great place Penguin, a couple of us on returning back on board ended up raiding the Galley, almost got caught going out through the windows a couple of times, amazing what one would get up to when you’ve got a belly full of beer. I remember moving over to Kuttabul on its completion, fantastic meals, all new furniture, in the Captains Office my Leading writer was ‘Macca’ who was featured in the ‘Scribbler’ a few issues back, a great guy, and also ‘Bomber Brown’. In the Pay Office, was a colored sailor ‘Bungy Williams’, Chief Writer Markham, Johnny Halpin, Terry Standen and a few others but my memory hasn’t retained their names.
Not long after moving into this brand new ship/Establishment, Chief Writer Frank Shugg joined as the Captains Secretary and not long after became Sub Lieutenant Shugg, a great chap, always happy and full of jokes. We also had an ‘old’civilian typist’ Margot? I think was her name, she was a skinny person and always had her hair in ringlets, she was engaged so long (like 15 years) that her Fiancé ended up dying, a lovely person though. Used to frequent ‘Surf City’ up at the Cross.
I was then posted to Kuttabul (FOICEA) ‘Admirals Office’ just down on the bend opposite the Wardroom, a very old building with all the big brass, this was a very nice place to work, a lot of the drivers and us would go up to the ‘Chevron’ every lunch time for a liquid lunch, I don’t know how I didn’t get into trouble as not being a big drinker I was always tired and nearly asleep every afternoon. I spent 16 months at Kuttabul, I guess that was the best posting and thoroughly enjoyed each day. Being at Admirals Office I had to travel to other bases to check all the S.C’s
Another fellow who came up through the ranks was ‘Tug Wilson’ a real down to earth guy who also loved a beer. Ian Lee-Conway was a subbie when I was there, I noted when I was down at HMAS Cerberus 11 years ago that he was on a Honor Board as a Commander.
My mother was seriously ill and after four & half years so I applied for three month LWOP, I was an only child and no Father, so ended up being granted a ‘Compassionate discharge’ to look after her. Those years were a great start to my life and it doesn’t feel that it was so long ago, I joined with Terry Gavan and he was my best mate for all the time I spent in the Navy, he now lives over in South Australia, he used to take care of me as being a cheap drunk, the world just kept spinning and I ended up re depositing what I just ate & drunk. A bit different now.
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Southon, John
 Navy New article dated 15th February 1991 - Proud Moment for Dad
It was a proud moment recently for the Navy’s Deputy Recruiting Officer in Western Australia, WOWTR John Southon, when 24 General Entry recruits were sworn in at the Perth recruIting office.Among the General Entry intake was WO Southon’s 18 year old daughter Katrina.
Katrina who has joined as a medic, is at present carrying out basic training at HMAS Cerberus. She hopes to study underwater medicine or laboratory work in the future.She decided to join the RAN three years ago after hearing her father give a speech at the local school.
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Sparkes, Ned 
Enlisted in October 1975, undertaking the Writers Course 8/76. First posting was DSP in 1977 and last posting as WOWTR at DSCM (Postings) 1998. Discharged October 1998. In 2006 he spent Reserve days at Creswell being a Divisional Senior Sailor for NEOC's. Batteries recharged and mind freshly stimulated from Creswell he then decided to apply for commission and re-enter the PN. Now many years later he finds himself in his current posting at PB HQ as Staff Officer Safety & Certification.
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Speight, David (Dave)
 Joined the RAN as a General Entry sailor in 1976 and then trained as a Scribe in early '77. Class-mates were Leigh Doak, Brad Clements, Kirsty Heazelwood, Liz Stoffels, Wayne Whitby, Bob Hardy, Phil Griffiths. First posting Waterhen 2yrs spread across Registry, Personnel, Pay and Accounts and advanced training in the art of drink led by Fred Bassett, Rick Bray and supervised by Ray Sexton and Pat Scully. Then to sea in Perth, after 1yr to Melbourne (the carrier) in 1980 in time for RIMPAC that year. Then to Creswell Accounts Office then promotion to LSWTR followed by COMAUSNAVSUP as the LSWTR to the Command Supply Officer (took over from Bluey Walters on his promotion to PO. To sea after 4 yrs at FONSC in Brisbane and promotion after a year then I/C Ship's Office and Captain's Sec. Then 3 years in Recruiting ‘Field Recruiter' with Central Western NSW. Promotion to CPOWTR whilst at Recruiting. Joined Kuttabul as the PERSO then off to Creswell again, this time as a trainee. A short stint in Campbell Park (DLS-N) then to Cerberus for the Basic Supply Officer's course and trained once again by the good old Barrie Howe (ex LCDR, ex POWTR). To Harman(NO) Pay and Accounts Officer and to sea again, this time in Hobart as the DSO. Spent the last few months onboard as the SO then posted as DSO Penguin. Promoted to LCDR SDSU. Resigned in 1998 worked overseas in London and then Edinburgh as Project Manager for a Software Development Company. Re-joined the RAN back in late 1999 as ASEC in Maritime Headquarters. Resigned again then worked part time as a Rocky for the Maritime Commander and his trusty Secretary (Brian Eagles) coordinating Commissionings and Decommissionings of HMA Ships.
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Spender, Donald John
Ex CPOWTR. Service 13/01/1967 to 12/01/1987.
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Springhall, Wayne
Joined as a JR in Jul 83. After 9 months of basic training at Leeuwin, he fronted up with his fellow SMN Star Scribes to Cerberus for Writer training. Under the expertise guidance of the POWTR instructor, Jeannie Brennan (Roberts), he was proud to leave Cerberus Jeannie trained. After 20 years service Wayne discharged from the PN on the 07/07/2003. There were plenty of highlights during that time, but the one that stood out for him was his 3 year posting to Port Moresby, PNG. After discharge, Wayne moved to the Sunshine Coast (Twin Waters) in Queensland where he married. They moved to the Northern Territory where they purchased a 50 acre property in Marrakai, not far from Kakadu, to dabble in the farming of redclaw crayfish. Wayne decided to seek some Reserve work at HMAS Coonawarra, where he is working 2 days a week at the PTAC-N Darwin organisation as a CPOWTR. (Updated 2007)
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Standen,Terry
 Deceased. Marty Grogan remembers as stated in 2002: That dreaded trip up top on the MELBOURNE in 1981for its paying off tour. Terry was my Chief Writer, Kim Beattie was Canteen Manager as a CPOWTR, the 2 PO'S were Trevor BARNES and John READING and 2 LSWTR'S of note were John Milton BLATCHFORD and Warwick BRAY (Bray doing Pay for the Squadrons). What a bunch of rapscallions!!!!
Before we left Sydney, Pommie gave me advance warning that as this was probably going to be his last trip up top he was going to do it in style. I was the Personnel Officer and the RAN Relief Trust Fund Officer on board as that had been my previous Posting for the past 4 years in Victoria Barracks in Melbourne. I organised for approximately 10 Chiefs (Pommie included) and the entire WO'S Mess (14 in Number) to all get a RANRTF Furniture Loan for the purpose of purchasing cheap furniture up top - as you would.
Anyway we had 5 days in Manilla and 3 in Alongopo before Hong Kong and Pommie did such a job on himself that he was medivaced off by Chopper in a Coma direct to the British Military Hospital in Hong Kong. He was in a bad way for a while and wasn't even allowed visitors. The decision was made for him to remain in the BMH until the day of our departure for Singapore, and, if his health permitted ,we would bring him back onboard rather than leave him in Hong Kong. We were in for 14 days and I used to ring to check on him daily and on about the 10th day I rang to be informed that he had signed himself out. I eventually tracked him down that night at the Senior Sailors Mess, HMS TERROR. Surprise, Surprise.
We then hit Singapore and it was on again. We returned to Australia via Darwin and Brisbane. The day he was in pleading for a Casual from the Pay Bob he left his friend sitting on a Bollard on the Wharf waiting for him. Friend was obviously of the opposite gender and colour and outweighed Pommie considerably. It was worth the wait, because he went back ashore cashed up and with a Cartoon of Duty Frees. Prior to this trip he wasn't in good health having half his stomach removed as a result of Cancer some years previously whilst a CPOWTR on the YARRA. Pommie was a man who loved life and was a very generous caring person. Our Branch is richer for having Legends such as this.
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Stevens, Edward Charles (Ned)
Ned was in the RANR. He was mobilised for service and reported for duty on 23 June 1941 as a writer with seniority 31 May 1941. He joined Rushcutter on entry until 1st December 1942 joining Penguin. On 1st January 1943 he was posted to Kuttabul, and then Platypus on 18th March 1943. Promoted LSWTR 1st June 1944. Further postings were Kuttabul 19 January 1945, Penguin 6 October 1945 and then Morton 10 October 1945. Joined Manoora 20 October 1945 until 25 June 1946 when he posted to Rushcutter for discharge on 10 July 1946. O/N S5620.
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Stewart, Grahame
R105392 Ex POWTR Served January 1969 to August 1979. Paid off at Cerberus where he was an instructor. I joined Leeuwin 6th January 1969, the 26th Intake of JR’s In those days, we got $10.00 fortnight “payment” and the rest was banked for us. I remember quite distinctly leaving Adelaide railway station, parents tearfully waving good-bye.
Having served my time in Leeuwin, when it came time to be categorised, the board said I was useless as an electrician, and even worse at mechanics, so they gave me my first request “Writer” second preference Survey Recorder…vast difference.
I joined Sydney in Garden Island, and learnt how to sling a hammock for the first time. As with a lot of ex JR’s we went on a quick trip up north , then I was posted to Cerberus for Writer training.
From Cerberus, I was posted to the Pay Office Albatross. I remember a young Suby called Wally Walzac,. From Albatross, I joinedTorrens (under punishment) on a Sunday night, and sailed for JB for two weeks, then on to Hawaii for Rimpac.
From Torrens, I was posted to Lonsdale, and after a quick stint in the Pay Office was posted to Vic Barracks for the NHBS.
I was promoted to LSWTR, and subsequently posted to Parramatta, in dry dock Williamstown, then after a work up we set sail up north. During this time I was promoted to P/POWTR and when my time was up, was posted to Cerberus, where I did my advanced WTR course. I was then transferred to the Old Supply School, whilst the new one was being built. I remember the day of commissioning the new school, we were told we had to attend. “Accompanied” and if we did not have a wife, one would be provided for us.
Unfortunately my demise come rather quickly. I drank too much too often, and was discharged “Unsuitable by Temperament” in August 1979. Something I have regretted to this day.
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Stickler, Terry deceased 01/08/1988
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Stokes. Eddy Deceased date NK
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Strachan, Lewis ex-WOWTR paid off January 1984. Joined Navy 8th Intake of JRs January 1964. On completion of JR training was posted to sea  on the 'grey ghost of the West Coast' - Diamantina until late 1965 when posted to Cerberus for Writer Category training. On successful completion then posted to Lonsdale then back to sea on Anzac where I was promoted LSWTR.
From there posted to Harman (NO) for a couple of years then to Albatross, back to sea on Stuart. Promoted A/POWTR and posted to Sydney. Spent 3 years at sea on Sydney after being posted as the Canteen Manager until she was paid off and I was posted to Penguin for a short period before being posted to ANZUK SINGAPORE for about 18 months until that was disbanded.
Then to Cerberus for a short period before being banished to the 'Apple Isle' to serve at Huon in 1975 while the Tasman Bridge was down. From there back to Harman (NO) where I was promoted CPOWTR and posted over to the West at Leeuwin in charge of the Pay Office. From there to the 'Top End' as Captains Sec at Coonawarra.
From there back to sea on Supply as Captains Sec then to Kuttabul for a short time before heading South to Cerberus and a promotion to WOWTR before being posted to Lonsdale(NO) at the Navy Pay Accounting Centre to bring in the dreaded so called computerised pay system where I eventually 'pulled the pin' on completion of 20 years service.
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Stuart, William Farcourt
PM 212. DOB 17/8/1919. Joined 16/10/1939. Cerberus 16/10/1939 – 29/7/1941. Sydney 30/7/1941 – 20/11/1941. He went down with the Sydney.
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Sugden, Charlie Deceased date NK
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Sutton, Peter 
Pictures l-2005 r-1980 as CPO Yarra r-1965 on Supply. Applied to join NIRIMBA as an apprentice but did not make the cut, offered JR option of entry which I accepted. Joined RAN 7/07/1963. 
Postings were Leeuwin,Supply 11/071964 (Ords sea time), Cerberus 23/06/1965 (WTR Cse), Albatross 12/10/1965 (1st WTR posting), Supply 17/01/1967 (Pay, Accts & Capt Off), Kuttabul (Pay Off) 25/06/1968, Harman (NO) 3/03/1969 (DNMP Staff, exchange posting with Johnny Halpin) Melbourne 24/06/1971 (Pay & Accts), Cerberus 7/01/1973 (POWTR Cse), Albatross 26/02/1973 (Billeting Office/Removals), Tarangau 17/05/1974 (Capt Off), Harman (NO) 19/02/1976 (‘L’ Postings & Manpower Planning Officer Stats), Stuart 4/09/1978 (CO SEC), Alabatross 2/04/1979 (Capt Off), Yarra18/06/1979 (CO SEC), COMAUSNAVSUP 14/07/1980, Harman (NO) 25/08/1980 (Service Conditions), Alabatross 12/07/1982 to discharge 6/07/1983 (Pay Office).
Promotion stream as follows: SMNWTR 8OCT65, A/LSWTR 4AUG67, PA/POWTR 1DEC72, CPOWTR 5MAR76. Married 13DEC69 to Elaine June (Ellie Mae). Two children Bruce and Peta..
Highs include: trips ‘up top’, RIM PAC'S and Yarra 1980 trip (Fiji, Hawaii, San Diego, Los Angeles, Esquimalt, Vancouver, San Francisco, Hawaii, Fiji, Western Samoa).
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Swales, Jack deceased 19/05/2001
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Swift, Wayne
I joined the RAN on 9 Jan 1989 as a Stoker before seeing the light and passing out of Supply School on 9 Nov 93 (instructors POWTR’s Chris Haskins, Wayne Lanham and Ann-Marie O’Dwyer). After my Writers course I posted to NSC where I served with CPOWTR Bomber Atkinson (1993 -95) and after advise from Bomber I posted to Darwin (95-96) where he was COSEC 1986-88. On promotion to LSWTR I was posted to Platypus where I served until it was decommissioned. In 1999 I posted to MHQ until 2001 when I posted to Newcastle. In 2003 I posted to MC’s staff for 12 Months and during this time I was promoted to POWTR In April 2004 I posted to Kuttabul as the A/Perso serving under CMDR Brian Eagles. I joined Tobruk in March 2005 and left there in June 2007 as a CPOWTR and posted to Russell Offices. (Photo 2005)
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Swindells, Don
Ex CPOWTR Deceased 2001. Ken Sanders remembers (April 2006) " “While serving in Kuttabul, between November 55 and February 57, I became friendly with Don Swindells. We had many a run ashore, and I was introduced to his fiancée Noelene. In December 1956 I was home on leave in Bathurst, when I received a call from Don, I can't remember if it was letter, Christmas card, or telephone call, asking me to be his Best Man. I accepted, and hitch hiked to Eugowra (NSW, near Forbes). Noelene's family had property near Eugowra. Don and I were billeted with relations of the family, in Eugowra, and Don and Noelene were married in the Anglican Church on the day after Boxing Day, 1956. I returned from leave to Kuttabul, and in February 1957 I was drafted to Voyager, then fitting out at Cockatoo Island. This was prior to commissioning. I lost contact with Don, and we didn't serve together again."
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Syme, Trevor
Joined the Navy in GE intake 3/83 (September 1983) from Melbourne and discharged on 09/11/2004 in Western Australia, now a content resident of Safety Bay. Postings include : Cerberus, Harman(DSCM), Watson, Adelaide, Waterhen, ADFRU Melbourne, ADFA, CN'S Office, Harman(DNLS), Stirling and Anzac. Spent the last nine years of RAN service as a CPOWTR in various PERSO and COSEC roles and very much enjoyed his 21 years. Career highlights include : participating in many sporting events and activities, meeting and working with many interesting people, varied deployments and visits overseas. (Updated June 20050
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