Venaglia, Vic

R93758. Served 5Jul62-6Jul82. Discharged CPOWTR

Vickers, Anthony ‘Irish
Joined RAN as adult recruit in Aug ’67, Moran Division.  Posted Dec 67 as ORDUC to Melbourne. After familiarisation visit to submarine (Oxley) changed branch to Writer. Posted to Vendetta in ’68 where Terry McHarry was the POWTR and Terry Standen the Killick. Later posted to Penguin medical and was discharged MUNS mid ’69. Rejoined RAN in Jan 70. Served in Queenborough as ORDWTR until course with Buck (Guy) Rogers, Dave Boyd, Jim Chant, Bob Dumbrill, Paul Milgate, Ken Roberts, Alex Shiels, and Sharky Sutherland.

Following course served in Waterhen, Melbourne (promoted to LWTR in ’72), Albatross, Creswell, VIC Barracks Melbourne, Stuart(did the bicentennial trip to US in ’76 when I was promoted P/POWTR in San Francisco. Busted back to LWTR ’77, posted FHQ then repromoted POWTR end ’78. Posted to Navy Office Canberra (Navy Personnel Division), then Cook in ’82 until ’85 when I was posted to DSP as Staff Officer. Promoted CPOWTR Jan ’86 and posted as NOCTAS SEC. Left PN in Mar ’88 and lived in US and UK for a couple of years. Came back and did some Reserve time early ’90’s in Canberra then public servant in ATSIC and ACT Dept of Education before living in Ireland from May 98 to Feb 04 where I worked for the European Union as an Administrator at a Drug Rehabilitation Centre, and EU Waste Management Inspector until early ’01. Following this, took up position of Executive Assistant to Managing Director of Compaq Computers until they were taken over by Hewlett Packard.

Have been doing Reserve work since returning in ’04; Apr-Aug04 in Harman, then CFTS as PERSO Albatross Sep04-Jan07. I am currently doing 2 year CFTS contract with Navy Establishment Validation Team in Campbell Park since Mar this year, although have been seconded to position of SODGNCPP at Russell Offices for a couple of months (until Mid Nov 07) Paid off 2008

Vincent, Peter
From South Australia I joined RAN in 1968 and received a compassionate discharge in May 1972.  After recruit training at Cerberus, I was posted to Vendetta where I did the Vietnam trip.  I returned to Cerberus where I completed a writer's course.  I then spent a short time at Harman learning data entry before being posted to Waterhen where I was pay office writer for the patrol boats, minesweepers and survey ships.  Posted to Paramatta where I picked up my hook a month before my discharge.

Wake, Jeff

Jeff (Budda) Wake. (Known by this name to ex NAKINA 63 JR’s). Joined 7th intake JRTE Leeuwin July 1963.   Categorised ORDCO end of JRTE training in 1964 and posted Sydney. Spent 12 months as an ORD VENAMOUS then to Cerberus for Communications courses.  A new Comms Branch was formed Data Operator (DO) and I was duly categorised as a DO and joined the second course to go through Cerberus.   Ended up failing the typing component so transferred to Writer and waited for the next course [about 2 months] so was employed on the Cerberus City Council painting rocks and paving to caress the QMG’s at Gunnery School. Blitzed the WTR course and regained 2 months loss of time and posted out to FOCAF registry as a WTR2 in late 1966. [Bob Baird LWTR, Mick Compton POWTR were the supervisors] Joined Queenborough in 1967 for 12 months with Ian “Taxi” McLaughlin as CPOWTR and Max Bronson the LWTR.  18 months went very quick and off again posted to Leeuwin pay office with reprobates like Guy Jennings, Peter Horrocks, Jo McGrade the LWTR and Charlie Campbell was the CPOWTR. Got picked to go to Waratah (ANA Washington Staff)in January 1969.   POWTR BJ Tucker, LWTR Alan Henderson and LWTR Wake. Left Waratah late 1971 for CPOWTR Gogga Gents kingdom at Penguin.   I met the mild manner slow moving Queenslander Gus Russel who shared Registry with me.   POWTR Charlie Sudgen came back from Saigon into Personnel and I ended up doing Personnel with Charlie.   Googa was always there, wiping down his make and mend sticks for the Wednesdays sporty or maybe Thursday or even Friday.      3 months then off the Sydney doing trooping voyages to Vung Tau bringing back the green machine. Late 1973 to Watson Personnel Office.  12 months at Watson finally got back to Leeuwin. 12 months later I paid off after joining the RAFR. Got a job with the Western Australian Government Railways and did 26 years with them.   My final designation was Training and Development Coordinator for the Urban Passenger (Electric) Division.   I was the sole trainer looking after 360 personnel involving trade back grounds, security staff, customer service, and electric railcar driver training. Transferred to the RANR in 1978.   Selected for 18 month RANR Officer Training Course culminating with receiving Commission as a SBLT RSSU in 1983.   Promotion followed to LEUT in 1986 prior to the transfer to Fremantle Port Division being integrated within Stirling Command.   Bases on my civilian qualifications I ended up as a SU IT.   Promotion to LCDR followed in 1999.  A highlight of my RANR career was the award of the Reserve Force Decoration.

Walker, Anne Margaret
Nee Smith .  LWRWTR. Served 11/11/1968 to 14/07/1974.

Wall, Brian
'Bulkhead' Deceased.  POWTR  Stories from old mates: Pat McGeown says “Bulkhead was my POWTR in Moreton. He then left and went recruiting before he left the RAN.  He spent much time in the mess and was loved by the Customs and Water Police who drank their also. The water police fished him out of the Brisbane River one night after he tried to swim across.  Jack King was the CPOCOX at Moreton. New rules were introduced regarding alcohol and a chit had to be filled in if you bought alcohol and took it ashore. Bulkhead filled in his chit and wrote "a gut full of piss" and handed it in at the gangway when he left. Next morning the coxswain wanted to charge him for bringing alcohol onboard as he reckoned it wouldn't have had time to leave his body.
Bob Collins recalls “He was one of the real characters of his day, liked his beer and was a good mate to have around if the going got tough. Served many a year with him at Cerberus, Lonsdale, Sydney, Melbourne and FOCAF.  When the going got tough at FOCAF Bulkhead and myself would do a stationary run, these could last an hour or two to a full day pending on how p......off we were. On one occasion we were having quite a session in a pub up the cross when the Naval Patrol  (LEUT Slattery I/C) fronted us. Slatts said they were looking for two scribes from FOCAF Staff and had we seen them. Quick as a flash Bulkhead said we had bumped into them down at BELL's pub to which Slatts  sent his mob out to their vehicle and turned to us and suggested we finish up here, collect our stationary and be back at FOCAF before he can report back that he didn't find the Writers concerned. Bulkhead was a real gentleman.”

Walliker, Michael

Served RN 1945-1948 and RAN 1949-1955 Discharged LSWTR.

Walsh, Peter Walsh (PJ)

Left the RAN as a CPOWTR.
Peter James Walsh passed away on 29 December 2004 following a rugged 5 month battle with bone cancer 

Walters, Paul (Blue)

Ex CPOWTR - Served 27.7 years

Walters, Ray 

Served from 1951 to 1975 and paid off as a Warrant Officer. Picture  1953

Wardle, Ted  Deceased early 2000

Warren, Ada

(Nee Vardon)Served 1968-1971 mostly at Cerberus.  WRWTR (ST) (Updated May 2003)

Watson, Shirley

nee Riley Served 1964-1967  

Watson,  Robin Edward 'Wog'

Deceased 1990's ACT.  WOWTR.
By his brother Laurie Watson (provided 2006) An abbreviated bio tells he was born in Brisbane on 1 May 1939, was brought up in Coolangatta, and joined the Navy in 1956 as a recruit Writer at Cerberus. He married Kay, in 1961 and had two children, Anthony in 1962 and Melissa in 1964. He retired from the RAN in 1989, and died suddenly of heart disease on 2 April 1993, by which time he was twice a grandfather.   He served in Cerberus –Yarrra - Creswell -  Melbourne - Quickmatch - Tarangau - Penguin - Waterhen - Harman(NO).

Where did the name Woggie or Wog come from’ Probably the only ones who really know are Beachball Sharman and Wettex Curtin, but the most likely version stems from his appearance when he arrived at Cerberus after more than three days and three nights of steam train travel from South Brisbane. Add to that the fact that even at the age of 17 he was fond of a tipple, and as those three days represented the first flight of freedom from the parental nest, the tipple was probably more like a deluge. Anyway, it is said that the Chief GI who whipped together those new recruits on arrival reckoned (in those less politically correct and culturally sensitive days) that he smelt like a wog. And the name stuck. Certainly it was already with him by the time he went home on his first leave, as he was carrying a huge glass jar full of shredded pipe tobacco with an equally huge label on it announcing it to be ‘Woggie’s weed’. As he never smoked in his life, the purpose of Woggie’s weed remains an enigma.

During his life he was blessed with extraordinary intelligence, a highly developed sense of humour, entertaining wit, and an ability to get on with almost anybody. The yang to this yin was a fondness for liquid refreshment, an inability to respect fools no matter their rank, and a volatile if not impetuous response to injustice especially if it involved bureaucratic mindlessness. Sometimes combinations of these factors worked in his favour such as the long period when he maintained a bar in Navy Office to the despairing but indulgent acquiescence of his boss, an infamous commodore DG Service Conditions, who would have skewered anybody else trying the same stunt.

On other occasions they did not, and a graph of his progression and regression between AB and PO over a period of twenty years would make a hardened stockbroker dizzy. Once he made chief however, he was never reverted again, and then went on to become a WO, which was his rank at retirement.

Andy Brittain (Boots) remembers (Provided 2005) “ I served with Woggy at Rushcutter and Cerberus in the 60s. He was a real character and always pulling outlandish moves. I recall one time when we had a female visitor at Rushcutter who had to use the toilet. Whilst on the throne, Woggy crept into the adjoining stall with a broom reached over the top of the stall and managed to flush the toilet occupied by the unsuspecting female which led to much shrieking on her part and much hilarity for us. Only Woggy could get away with things like that.
Another time I visited him at Creswell. He was married and lived in the married quarters at the time. I brought a few cans with me and Woggy had quite a few.  Woggy had a real fondness for the amber fluid and was polishing off two cans to my one. However he was depositing his empties in front of me leading his wife to believe that I was consuming the majority of the beer.
Woggy was working in the Captains Office at Cerberus and would come to work carrying several oranges. Everyone thought that Woggy was on a health kick until we discovered that he was injecting the oranges with vodka before he left home.

Besides promotion /reversion/promotion/disrating/promotion etc, he also had CW papers raised on him at least twice, which was a reflection of his leadership abilities. The first time they were cancelled was when he was an ABWTR in (the old, and real) Melbourne in Singapore. After a long and lubricated run ashore he and one of his mates commandeered a water buffalo from one of the little farms near Sembawang village (who can still remember Singapore as it was then'), jumped on its back and with one trying to steer by using the animal's ears and the other trying to propel it by twisting its tail, sent it bellowing along the main drag, scattering diners and coffee stalls as it went. More importantly it was pursued by the Malay owners and a bevy of Sikh police. How the two sailors were returned to the ship and under what circumstances remains clouded in mystery, but the CW papers went the same way as the previous night's Tiger.

The next time the CW papers were cancelled was when he was a LSWTR in Yarra doing pay and accounts. The Supply Officer and he had had a rocky relationship in a previous posting, and during a confrontation one morning over pay cards, Woggie told the SO in vigorous terms what he could do with them; before the SO could oblige, Woggie opened the ship's office scuttle and flung the pay cards he was holding into the South China Sea that was racing past at about 12 knots. The CW papers and the hook followed the pay cards and within forty 'eight hours Woggie had a jackstay transfer to Melbourne as an AB.

Despite a certain wildness, it couldn't be said that Woggie wasn't religious' although not in the way most of us might think. When he was on an unaccompanied posting to Penguin in the late 60's, the fervently devout CO decreed that all sailors living on board should attend church on Sundays. Woggie immediately converted to Islam, at least that's what his SC said, bought a fez, and pleaded religious incompatibility with Christian worship. The CO was enraged but knew he was outwitted, and to rub salt into the wound, Woggie took all the Islamic holidays. Of course the establishment was always closed on the Christian holidays so Woggie won both ways. When challenged on his consumption of alcohol, officially forbidden to Muslims, Woggie claimed adherence to the teachings of the Aga Khan who allegedly permitted it. In a less inquiring time, this dubious religious position was never seriously contested and when the time was right the spurious conversion was quietly dropped, except at parties!

Wedlock, Brian

Ex CPOWTR Joined 20/6/58.  Shore postings Kuttabul, Moreton, Melville, Albatross, Creswell, Leeuwin, some of them a couple of times. Ships were Gascoyne, Vendetta (twice) Duchess, Stuart. Discharged 30/9/78.

Met some great characters, Blue Guild, Googa Gent, Bulkhead, Beachball, the Wog, Haji Barber to name a few. Highlights - the FESR trips and bicentennial trip to the US in 1976 on Stuart.

Wells, Elisabeth Linnea (Liz)

(nee Lanstrom) Served 26/08/1968 to 25/08/72. Discharged as LWRWTR.

Wells, Roderick Max

Served 07/05/1961 to 12/06/1972. Discharged as POWTR.

Whelan, David 

Joined 8 February 1969, categorised as ORDEM on completion of Recruit training.    Posted to Vendetta May69 for Vietnam Gun line deployment and transferred branch to WTR Oct69.   Basic Writer Course (3/70) with subsequent posting as ABWTR2 to FHQ for Fleet Writer Team Nov70, served in various fleet units including Sydney, Queenborough, Perth, Duchess, Stalwart and Vendetta.   Joined Derwent as an ABWTR on Jan72, then Lonsdale Feb73.   Promoted LSWTR Feb74 and posted to Duchess Feb76 until she paid off in 1977.   NOICVIC Oct77 as Assistant Secretary promoted POWTR Sep78 and posted as an Instructor at Supply School.   1981 was spent at PSO Frankston and promoted to CPOWTR Jan82 and joined Kuttabul as SO (Pay).    Posted Swan as Captain’s Secretary Jun82 then Harman (NO) Nov83 as Seaman Category poster and onto Melbourne Recruiting in Dec85.   Promoted WOWTR Jan88 and to Kuttabul as SO (Cash) then in OCT88 to DEFPAY Melbourne as Navy Liaison Officer at the time of the introduction of NAVPAY.   Next posting was to Cerberus Mar94 as a Divisional Officer at the Technical Training Centre and DEE 3Jul95.    Currently working as Tipstaff to a County Court Judge. (Updated 01/2007)

Whitby, Wayne T

Joined 21Sep1976. Posted to Cerberus as ship’s company awaiting a WTR course. Basic WTR course  28.08.77 Promoted SMNWTR 30/8/77 Posted   Kuttabul – Captains Office/Pay Office 3/5/78 Promoted  ABWTR 22/1/79 Posted  Vendetta 2/12/78 Posted  Kuttabul – Ships Office 3/12/79 Posted to Melbourne – Pay Office 09.05.80 Promoted  LSWTR 11/2/80 Posted Perth – Pay Office 17/6/80 Posted Harman – NOPO (Senior Officer’s Section) 12/10/81 Posted NCS Harold E. Holt – Pay & Accounts/RAN Support 16/9/83 Completed Advanced Writer Course 05.08.83 Completed Advanced Combat Survivability Course 30/7/84 Posted Kuttabul 3/12/84 Posted Nirimba – Personnel/Removals 4/11/85 Posted Hobart – Registry/Administration 31.12.85 Advanced Certificate in Personnel administration 31/12/85 Promoted POWTR 29/9/86 Posted Sydney – COSEC 02.01.87 Completed command tests for CPO promotion 27/4/87 Posted Harman(NO) – Helo Project Staff/Admin Officer 30.10.87 Completed Petty Office Management Course 22/2/88 Posted Harman(NO)– NAVPAY Design, Testing & Documentation. Discharged 16/2/89.Left the Navy in 1989 to manage a country golf club.  This began a career in club management and over the next 10 years was CEO of 3 golf clubs and 1 bowling club in NSW including the opportunity of managing a Group 1 golf club in Sydney. In 1999 I moved to the United States.   Now the Chief Financial Officer for an insurance company here on the West coast. (Updated 9/06/2003)

White, Colin 'Knocker'

R59967 Died 24th July, 1974. Colin served on the Sydney, Melbourne and Duchess. Buried Cerberus. Ex LSWTR

White, Leonard (Knocker)

Ex CPOWTR – 14 July 1976 – 13 July 1996. I joined the puss in July 1976 as a JR in Collins Division of the 56^th intake. Undertook the basic scribe’s course No 6 of 1977 under the tutelage of POWTR Lou Smith.

The postings that stand out are: HARMAN (and subsequent NO jobs) – always to be found at the bop and flop, AUSTFASO in Seattle WA, DSCM as S and S poster, RAN Relief Trust Fund, HUON and twice on the mighty Wart (at least she did sea-time when I was onboard).  Met my wife Karen (nee Anderson) at Harman in 1986 and we have been together since with two children Elliott (1993) and Victoria (1996). 

Thoroughly enjoyed my time in the puss, and in particular meeting so many wonderful people, especially the scribes, and made some very good friends.  Those who had a significant impact on my life and career were: Pat Scully (first CPOWTR I worked for), Lance McDougall (first POWTR), Steve Daws (POWTR at Harman), Chalit “Charlie” Emmerson (just a lovely person), Rick Armstrong, Bruce Lockyer and Davy “in the Navy” Matters (mates at Kuttabul), Kevin Davidson (fellow seasick sailor, but great operator and runner), Kevin Whiteway (SO(Cash) in the States), Ian “Brose” Palmer and Mick Kelleher (took me under their wings in the States), Michael “Butch” Cassidy and Ian “Doily Dan” Dollery (great mates in the states), Gary “Kipper” Houghton, John “Lance” Link, Steve Prohm, Greg Watson, John Gill and Mark “Blinky” Rotherham (mates and such funny fellows at Harman), Al and Peter “Pat” Dummett and Dave “Radar” Ryan (mates and fellow leaguers at Harman)  and finally Bruce “the Beast” Klimeck (SO at HUON) – thank you all for the memories and your support.

I may be remembered for my various (and sometimes dubious) attempts at playing rugby league for HARMAN (occasional union for Mons Cup), volleyball at KUTTABUL, touch footy with DSCM, and doing a bit of weight training and aerobics on the STALWART, and generally endeavouring to keep fit.(Updated Jan 2007)

White, Joe

P/N R62081 Joined April, 1963.  Served Sydney (2nd 3rd & 4th trips to Vietnam) also Melbourne as Fleet Staff with FOO and did Expo 70 in Japan. His shore postings were Cerberus (3), Lonsdale (3) Kuttabul (2). He married in 1965 and has two girls.  (Updated March 2005)

Whitfield, Lionel William

DOB 2/9/1906 P/N 13438. Lionel joined as a Tingaria Boy II on the 23/2/1922 until 31/7/1923. He joined Cerberus as a Boy Writer 1/8/1923 until 3/9/1923. He then joined the RAN 2/9/1924.  He joined HMAS Geranium (first RAN survey ship)  on 4/9/1923 – 27/2/1925. Further service as follows: Penguin 28/2/1925 – 29/7/1926. Platypus 30/7/1927 – 15/8/1929. Penguin 16/8/1929 – 9/9/1929. Cerberus 10/9/1929 – 21/11/1930. Penguin 22/11/1930 – 13/11/1932. Cerberus 14/11/1932 – 19/10/1933. Canberra 9/9/1934 – 18/11/1935. Penguin 19/11/1935 – 19/4/1938. Cerberus 20/4/1938 – 1/09/1941. Sydney 2/9/1941 -  20/11/1941.Went down with the Sydney. He was promoted LDGWTR 2/3/1927. PO 9/9/1930 and CPO 9/9/1934

Whitton, Gary

Ex Leeuwin Jr-8th Intake Jan 1964-Dec 1964. Diamantina Jan 1965-Dec 1965. Writers Course Jan 1966.

Wilmot, Vincent Roy
ABWTR Served 28/07/1961 to 27/08/1970. Born 6th September 1942. Passed away at Bundaberg 6th December 2009.  R58289. Joined 28th July 1961 and after completing his Writer training was posted to Melbourne 1st February 1963 until joined Penguin 4th January 1964. He moved to Kuttabul 13th July 1964 until he went to sea on the Stalwart 8th February 1968. Posted Harman 10th March 1969.  He completed 9 years service.

Williams, Hardley Deceased date NK

Williams, Douglas Henry ‘Doug’ deceased 1977

Williams, John Henry
Born 1925.  O/N F5045.  John served during WWII, joining up on 6^thMay 1943 from Norham Army Camp WA to Cerberus. (Ex Kalgoorlie boy called up on 18^th birthday and wanted to join the navy but had to wait for a vacancy in position hence Army for 7 months where I did signal training. From Cerberus posted to Melville (24/06/1943) and then Leeuwin (9/3/1945). Attached to Cypher Section using teleprinter in both postings. Then joined Parkes (At Careening Bay as ships were decommissioned), Leeuwin to be demobbed 28/06/1946. He received a War Gratuity of £31.10.00, Re-establishment leave pay in lieu £22.7.6 and in lieu of 21 days leave £15.13.3. Did a rehabilitation course in Accounting and still has a current membership (2008) as a FCPA. Works as a volunteer for an Aboriginal Charity in a suburb of Perth WA. (Pic L 2007 R 1943)

Williams, Bill ‘Bungy’
Joined the RAN on 30/06/1966 for 9 years.  After completing his recruit training he was categorised ORDCO and was subsequently posted to Yarra 23/09/1966 - 23/1/1967 when he joined Anzac until 5/5/1967.  

On 17th September he was re-categorised ORDWTR and promoted AB 29th October 1968. After the Initial Writer training he was posted to Leeuwin Jan 1969 to July 1969, Sydney July 1969 to July 1970 and Leeuwin July 1970 to December 1973.

Left Bungy in  his younger days. On the right we have Bungy sitting on the Sydney upper deck.

Wiseman, Ross
Ex POWTR Served 1961 - 1974

Wilson, Karyn (Nee Towns).
Karyn served from July 1994 to October 1997.  

Wilson, Lindsay Gordon (always known as Tug), joined the RAN on 4th March 1946 in the weird rating of Probationary Writer  (R29946) and spent 3 months at Cerberus training in seamanship, boat work and general naval Lore. No Writer training was forthcoming (no Supply School), so P/Wtr Wilson was posted to Penguin and immediately employed in a very large Pay Office as a Ledger Keeper.

His first sea posting was in early 1948 in the Assault Landing Ship Kanimbla to the UK to stand by commissioning of Sydney, our first Aircraft Carrier. Thereafter he served in HMS Glory and HMA Ships Sydney, Arunta, Condamine, Melbourne, Yarra and Vampire.

Promoted LdgWtr, POWtr and CPOWtr in the late 1940's and 1950's, he was promoted to Sub Lieutenant in 1958 (New P/N 01747), to Lieutenant in 1963, Lieut. Commander in 1969 and finally to Commander in 1973. After his first sea charge posting in Yarra, Tug Wilson served in charge postings including as OIC RAN Supply School, in Vampire, Nirimba twice and Platypus as Submarine Squadron Supply Officer until his final discharge in August 1986.

In 1972 while serving as Supply Officer of Yarra he was awarded the Honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1978 while serving as Supply Officer of Vampire.

Tug Wilson has five sons, all of whom are veterans of the Australian Army and Navy. His 4^th son David served with him in Vampire in 1976 when David was an ABUC. They went to the United States in Vampire for the US 200th Anniversary. David was later to become the Warrant Officer of the Navy (WO (N))in the years 2000-2002. His two other Navy sons were Peter — QMG and Matthew — RO. Matthew is now a Barrister and a Major serving in the Australian Army.

Lindsay Wilson compiled and published the history of HMAS Cerberus titled  `Cradle of the Navy ' in 1981. This publication is in the process of update to cover the years from 1981 to date. He also compiled and published the history of HMAS Nirimba - titled `Skilled Hands at Sea' in 1984. Although Lindsay Wilson ceded copyright to the Naval Historical Society, interested persons may view the publication on the Internet by entering the words "Skilled Hands at Sea". Several Writers are mentioned in the book including Graham Smith, Graham Darcy, Bob Brimson, John McCosker, Wiggy Bennett, Ron Giveen, Gary Russell, Salty Eckel and many more. He also set up Naval Museums at Cerberus, Nirimba and Platypus.

Reverting to the First Person I must tell you that I set out to note the names of my many Writer Shipmates whose company I enjoyed in my forty years service from 1946 to 1986, but when I had listed those in the alphabetical letters A-C it was obvious that they are legion and too many to record here.

Woodhouse, Heather Deceased 06/04/1998

Woolnough, Ron Deceased 06/01/2001

Wright, John Hunsley
Ex CPO. Died 7th February 2006.  John and his wife (Christine) lived in Melbourne. John an  ex-CPO (and Data operator) paid off in the 1980's. For many years he worked for the Relief Trust Fund and was also Manager of the Australian Defence Credit Union at Cerberus for 18 years.

Wylie, Allan James Bishop
Born 10th March 1933.Joined 16/7/1951 for 6 years. R45653. He was posted on entry as a RCT Clerk to Cerberus. He was subsequently posted toPenguin 5/5/1952, Kuttabul 25/8/1953 and Penguin 8/2/1955 where he was discharged 11/7/1957. Nickname ‘Wacka’ or ‘Slim Jim’

Yastreb, Debra (ex LWRWTR Debra M. Elton) W116604.
“Joined WRANS 12th May 1975, arrived Cerberus 13th May 75 to 16th November 1975 incorporating Recruit training and Writer training. Harman was next 17th November 1975 to 28th April 1977 DFM, Queanbeyan, next Penguin April 1977 to 14th November 1978, from there back to Harman 15th November 1978 to 27th June 1980 DSP, promoted LWR 2nd May 1979 just short of 4 years, next onto Albatross 30th June 1980 to 17th March 1981 AJASS where I went to NZ for 10 days, up to Sydney, and 9 hours at sea onboard Otama thanks to CMDR M Dunne, discharged and came home to WA.

I did go to Indonesia for 2 weeks as part of a group of trainee teachers.  I rejoined the RAN 6th April 1983 and posted back to Albatross to 10 August 1984 in the Accounts Office.    I then went to Kuttabul 13th August 1984 to 6th November 1987 CPSO and finally came home to Stirling 16th November 1987 to 5th April 1991, first Captain's Office, then down to Accounts and last but not least to Pay Office after attending computer Pay Course at Cerberus for 2 weeks June 90.”  

Yeomans, James Fulton 
P/N 5294 Mobilised for service 5th March 1941. Whilst serving his postings were Rushcutter and Cerberus before joining Shropshire 15/10/1942 in England. He posted out 29th April 1945 (Promoted LS 1/10/1943) to Penguin where he stayed until being demobbed 21^st March 1946.  Deceased 2004.

Young, Bev (Nee Willox)
Joined 7th March, 1965. Supply School then farewelled classmates as they went to other places and I stayed at Pay Office.    While I always knew where money belongs, could not add up to save myself, especially in pounds, shillings and pence! Someone must have complained as I was soon despatched to Harman to work in the Captain's Office.   Was good to getaway from Cerberus.

Was in the Captains Office with Terrie Mooney, then Dave Jordan untilSydney natives were needed to live at home as some of the quarters wereclosed for Sydney depots.   I lived at my parents and commuted to theWelfare Office in Hunter Street, moved back to Penguin when theaccommodation was sorted, then back to Cerberus. Spent time back in the Pay Office, but now we had gone metric and withonly 2 columns to juggle, life became easier.

Later went to Albatross and the Pay Office, (Arthur Skene, I remember)then AMAFTU where I spent 2 years, with a trip to Cerberus for POWTR course.    Re-engaged after initial 4 years but went FREE in October, 1969.Married Trevor Young, from the Electrical Air Communication persuasion a year after discharge, having travelled to WA and worked back in  Sydney, and we lived in Nowra until after his discharge in 1973.

Young, Frank
Service RCTWTR 24Mar1949, WTRII 24Aug1949,  Albatross 15Aug1950, Lonsdale 21Oct 1950, WTR 14Dec1950, Australia(Retinue) 31Aug1950, Sydney(Retinue) 25Jun1952, ALSWTR 1Jul1952, Sydney 28Feb1953, LSWTR 1Jul1953, Australia 16Aug1953, Penguin 18Nov1953, Naval Depot London 22Nov1953, Victoria Barracks Portsmouth 6Jan1954, HMS Hawke Dartmouth 28Jan1954, Promoted ASBLT1May1954.
On 31 August 1951 I joined Australia at Garden Island as a Shorthand Writer on the Admirals staff (fresh from a 3 month Shorthand/Typing course at Stott’s Commercial College in Melbourne).
I was met at the brow by WTR Bomber Atkinson who despite my burden of hammock and kit bag insisted on taking me first to the Pay Office. With a flourish and a great deal of pride Bomber said “I’ll bet you never expected you’d see anything like this in a Warship!” This was a machine about the size, weight and shape of four house bricks. It was an adding machine, operated by the cranking of a lever. From memory its only functions were to add and subtract and to give the operator possibly the first recorded case of Repetitive Strain Injury”.

Young, Peter J.     
Ex CPOWTR R94767.  Joined the RAN at Leeuwin as a Junior Recruit on 5/1/1965.  He served in HMA Ships Melbourne (twice, as ORDWTR and LSWTR), Anzac, Hobart,Moresby and Supply.  He also served at Albatross, Harman (NO-EDP), Tarangau, Cerberus, Kuttabul, Leeuwin and Platypus.  He paid off in January 1985 and headed West.  Peter married ex SWRWTR Christine Stuart in 1973 and as at 2007, has been married 34 years and has three kids and one grandson.  After Navy life, he spent 17 years as Payroll Manager for Brambles, then retired due to MS and is now living a peaceful life at Seascapes in WA.

Zweirs, Jan (John)
Joined 05/04/1963. R62084. On completion of his Recruit and Writer training at Cerberus he was posted to Watson 01/12/1967. His first sea posting was Vendetta on 19/04/1966. He was promoted to LS 13/05/1966 and stayed on Vendetta until 03/04/1967 where he joined Kuttabul and was still serving at Kuttabul at 26/12/1969.