A Short Report

On Monday 7 July, I received a telephone call from Bill Eggins whom I had known since my time at Navy Office in 1977. His first few words shocked me a little, as he explained ‘he was stuffed, it’s got me, I’m dying, I thought I’d better get in touch and tell you before too long, it’s mesothelioma, I’ve been told I’ve got maybe 18 months, two years most.’

Following on from these few words, we discussed the prospect of a visit in the near future. I made arrangements to fly down to Hobart to see him, and hopefully cheer him up a little. Little did I know that Bill would not see the month out, and on Saturday 26 July his son Grant rang to say that his father had lost his battle with this dreaded disease and was no longer with us.

At the AGM, I asked that those attending sign cards which were then sent to the family on behalf of the Association. Also at the AGM, it was decided by the members present, that Stan Davis, son of Leading Seaman Stan Davis, who went down with HMAS Sydney 2, be made an Honorary Member of our Association, and that he be appointed as the HMAS Sydney 2 Commemoration Coordinator for the 19 November service in Hobart, for the foreseeable future, taking over from Bob Gibbs. Stan had been assisting Bob until his death, so he was well aware of his duties and responsibilities.

Stan Davis and I in the foyer at the RACV Apartments handing over his Honorary Membership Badge David Dwyer provided me with the Honorary Membership Badge to present to Stan, and so my wife and I proceeded on with the arrangements we had made. However, before we left for Hobart, I received a call from Diane Eggins wanting me to contact her upon our arrival. But first, on Saturday 2 August, we met up with Stan in the foyer of the RACV Apartments, where we were staying, and presented him with his Honorary Membership Badge. Stan then took us down to where the Commemorative Plaque is positioned at Constitution Dock. It is in good repair and is well looked after.

As previously arranged, my wife and I met up with Diane and her son Grant on Sunday morning at Salamanca. We must have talked for hours, but all to the good I felt. Both want to be kept on our mailing list for any items of interest that may be relevant to them. Their loss is our loss, but not of the same magnitude obviously. I intend to keep in touch with both of them from a personal perspective; I know I can count on others to do the same.

Dr John Carroll

President

8 August 2014