The Quarterly Journal of the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia

Volume 7 Number 2 April 1996

Published by the Fleet Air Ann Association of Australia Inc. - Print Post Approved - PP201494/00022 Editor: John Arnold-PO Box 662, NOWRA NSW 2541, Australia - Phone (044) 232014 - Fax (044) 232412 Slipstream - April 1996 - Page 2

FOREWORD by Rear Admiral Murray B Forrest AM RAN Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel)

Although I have never really been closely associated with the Fleet Air Arm, I do remember a rather daunting day or two at sea in MELBOURNE as a Cadet and several great Gunroom and Wardroom parties; looking through back numbers of your very spirited and entertaining magazine also reminds me of some wonderful people of my youth; and I do have many friends among your number . But that said, we are all a part of the same very fine Service and as Navy's current 'people' person, I am delighted to come to the party. Professionally, my early dealings with Naval Aviation were confined to the not so glamorous world of logistics where I was amazed by the staggering quantities of bits and pieces demanded by Air Engineers to keep those airframes flying and also gained an understanding of their commitment to air worthiness. The ROE [role of effort] has not diminished! Now, I have to man the aircraft and provide the technicians; not always an easy task but, as ever, there are many fine people in the Naval Personnel Division and the wider community to assist. In that role, the excellent contribution of the Fleet Air Arm Association in maintaining the esprit de corp is invaluable. Slipstream and the Australian Naval Aviation Museum are tangible examples of your continuing interest and support. The face of Naval Aviation is changing . No longer is the operational focus centered on the squadron alone; rather it is increasingly upon the flights deployed to very many of our fleet units that our concept of operations is based. Elsewhere in this edition, there is an article which describes the establishment of Commander, Australian Naval Aviation Force, put in place by CNS to meet the RAN's need for a restructured organisation for the planning and operation of a fully integrated Aviation Force. Navy is well served by the commitment of its people, their training and their professionalism, and our platforms and sensors are second to none in the region in technological capability; it is the way we direct and operate those resources which determines how we fight and whether we win. I am confident the FAA Association is well able and willing to assist us in meeting the challenges of the future. I have heard that the association is arranging for the history of the FAA to be written and what an excellent undertaking this is. I hope all of you will lend support _in whatever way you can to this venture. This type of initiative is invaluable in cementing the relationships between naval aviation personnel of yesterday and those of tomorrow. I wish you all well. Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 3

EDITORIAL A MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT

My apologies for the delay in Members are well aware of the recent efforts by the Federal Council to producing this edition of Slipstream. have the History of the RAN Fleet Air Arm written . There were problems in In an effort to further reduce getting the project underway and the Australian Naval Aviation Museum, being costs, Slipstream is now being aware of those problems , offered to take over the project. This was accepted by printed by another company . the Federal Council and the ANAM is forging ahead with the project. Keep all your letters and stories A committee , under the chairmanship of the Museum Director, has been rolling in. Don't forget , anything set up to oversee the writing of the 'History' , with John Arnold, Max Altham and forwarded for the journal will also be 'Windy' Geale on the committee . used as possible material for the I thank those members who supported the writ ing of the history by making 'History'. a donation to the FAAA History Fund. Your willingness to give support in a practi"cal manner was appreciated. For legal reasons, the Executive have . There were so many volunteers decided that all donations will be returned to the donors, but I hope you will give for the job as Editor, that I thought I consideration to making a donation to the History Fund set up by the ANAM. might hang on a bit longer until I The important issue in the matter of the 'History' is that it gets written and discover what the attraction is. is an accurate record of the FAA story. It is your story, so please get involved Thank you for your support. and support the committee with your stories and photographs . Thank you. 'Toz' Dadswe/1 AT HOME AND OVERSEAS PROFILE Our condolences are extended REAR ADMIRAL MURRAY BRUCE FORREST AM RAN to Bob Cronin, whose wife, Edna, passed away recently. Rear Admiral M.B. Forrest RAN was born in Sydney on 3 February 1942 Also to Harry Bannister, Editor and entered the Royal Austra lian Naval College on 28 January 1958 as a 15 of the PONAM Journal UK, on the year old Cadet Midshipman .. He graduated in 1960 from the Royal Australian loss of his wife, Vera. Naval College, Jervis Bay as the Queen's Medallist. Up until December 1963 he undertook professional and academic courses at the Britannia Royal Naval · 0000000 College, UK and in HMA Ships SWAN , SUPPLY and VOYAGER. In January 1964 he was posted to the staff of Flag Officer-in-Charge East Best wishes to Ken Greenaway, Australia Area and in May 1965 posted to the commissioning crew of HMAS who is recovering from a triple by­ HOBART as the Deputy Supply Officer . His posting to HMAS HOBART included pass in the Strathfield Private service in Vietnam in 1967. In January 1968, he jo ined HMAS CERBERUS as Hospital. the Training Officer in the Supply School and then in April 1970 was posted as Also to our RAAF mascot , Neil Supply Officer HMAS ANZAC . Gage, recovering from an operation Shortly after joining the staff of the Fleet Commander, he was promoted to on a broken ankle he acquired Lieutenant Commander in September 1972 and in October 1973 was posted to whilst trying to 'splice a mainbrace' the staff of Chief of Naval Personnel as the Personnel Liaison Officer . on a wire rope. Now safely In January 1975 he returned to HMAS HOBART as the Supply Officer and ensconced in the Shoalhaven this posting included being present at the US Bicentennial celebrations . Community Hospital. Promoted to Commander in 1976, he was posted as Deputy Fleet Supply Not forgetting 'Kanga' Bounds, Officer . In January 1979 he became the Officer-in-Charge of the RAN Supply now recuperating from a triple by­ School in HMAS CERBERUS, and then as the Supply Officer of that pass and tweaked up tight with establishment, the RAN's largest. During 1981 and 1982 he was on exchange locking wire. service in the United Kingdom with the Royal Navy. On return to Australia in 1983 he joined HMAS STALWART as the Supply FRONT COVER Officer . On promotion to Captain in 1984 he was appointed the Chief Staff Officer (Administration) to the Naval Support Commander . Photograph showing flight deck During 1988-89 he was appointed as the Assistant Director General of HMAS Vengeance, in Sydney Supply - Navy in Canberra and in July 1989 he was attached to the Harbour on the occasion of the Headquarters Staff of the Australian Defence Force. Royal Visit in 1954. He was promoted to Commodore in January 1990. After two years as the Director General Naval Logistics Policy he returned to Sydney as Deputy Naval Photo courtesy Dave Eagles Support Commander and Chief of Staff in March 1992. On 3 April 1995 he was promoted to Rear Adm iral and assumed his current position as Assistant Chief DISCLAIMER of Naval Staff (Personnel) on 6 April 1995. All rightsreserved. Reproduction Rear Admiral Forrest married the former Rose-Mary Hoarau in 1966. They in partor wholeis forbiddenwithout have two children, Jacqui and Tim, and have their home in Barton, ACT. the expresspermission of the Editor in writing. A LAST FAREWELL The views and opinions t expressedin this publicationdo not COOPER Les - ex-CPO RN I RAN - 10 February 1996 necessarilyreflect the views and APPLETON Bernard George - Lt (A) RN (Rtd) - 20 February 1996 opinions of the Association or GILROY Brian - ex-CPO - 19 February 1996 Commilleeof Management. NUGENT Kevin 'Nugget' - ex-CPO - 28 March 1996 Slipstream - April 1 996- Page 4

become more open. In twenty years WELFARE OFFICER'S REPORT from now, Albatross will be by Ivan 'Chips ' Gray JP - NSW Division unrecognisable. In the immediate fut_ure, In my last report and in the article by Fred Kirkland OAM regarding The Albatross will see the beginnings of Australian Service Medal 1945-75, information was given on the then a purpose built fire station located · Government's Veterans' Affairs Policy and that of the Coalition . Since the near the current admin istration election very little information regarding changes has been released other than building . This will have ready the appointment of the Hon. Bruce Craig Scott, National Party member for access to the airfield and the Marana, Queensland, as Minister for Veterans' Affairs. domestic areas and will solve the Mr Scott was born in Roma and is married with three children. He was on most pressing Occupational Health the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Safety (OH&S) issue at and Training from May 1990 to May 1992; the Joint Statutory Committee on Albatross . The other OHS issue Public Works from May 1990 to March 1993 and on the Parliamentary Joint soon to be resolved is a better Committee on ASIO from May 1993. workshop facility for the Aircraft He has held the positions of Shadow Minister for Primary Industry and Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit Rural Matters; Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development and was at B Hangar . A new child care Shadow Minister assisting the Shadow Minister for Primary Industry from April centre will be erected adjacent to 1992 to May 1994. the Nowra Hill School to provide The new Secretary for the Dep't of Veterans' Affairs is Dr. Neil Johnston. care for pre-school and older Dr. Johnston , a Victorian , has a Doctorate of Economics from the children after school. University of Pennslyvania ( 1972) and an Honours Degree in Economics from Major facilities anticipated the Australian National University ( 1966). before the turn of the century He has worked for the Australian Bureau of Statistics (1972-76) : the include: Australian Treasury (1977-1984); Employment Education and Training (1988- * a new control tower either on 1994; and was Deputy Secretary in the Department of Social Security from the current site or a new location, September 1994 where he was responsible for social security policy and audit. * a new training facility near No statements on changes to policy as detailed in the election strategy the current canteen site, have yet been announced, the only exception being:- OVA PLEDGE SIMPLER * a new administration SERVICE: The OVA has comm itted itself to simplifying procedures to improve building near Hunter block, veteran access to its services. The Veterans' Service Delivery Model (VSDM) * a new sporting comp lex project will define how best the services can be delivered; identify changing incorporating a gymnasium , heated needs of veterans and services they require and then propose a comprehensive indoor swimming pool and canteen framework for delivering those services - from a veterans rather than facilities at the current main gate, Department's perspective. The model is expected to be completed by July. and For those of you who are house-bound or enjoy listening to the radio, • modern accommodation at Veterans now have their own radio spot - 'On Air With Veterans' Affairs'. the latter end of the building period. Broadcast every Wednesday , you can tune-in on IRPH in Canberra The airfield will see a new 1125-AM at 9:00am; 2RPH in Sydney 1224-AM at 8:35am: 3RPH in Melbourne Explosives Storage area developed 1179-AM at 10:30am; 4RPH in Brisbane 1296-AM at 9:50am; 5RPH in Adelaide and an Ordnance Loading Area with 1197-AM at 10:15am; 6RPH in Perth 990-AM at 10:30am ; and 7RPH in Hobart aircraft refuell ing and washing 864-AM at 4:30pm. This could be a useful source of information . facilities developed south of runway 08/26. Extensive areas of tarmac will be built over the 'Old Oval' site HMASALBATROSSREDEVELOPMENTPLANS and, later in the period , on the by Cdr L.N.Phillips RAN , Executive Officer current Western Pad site for parking Those who have visited HMAS Albatross in recent years will no doubt our own and visiting aircraft. Many remember the large number of buildings remaining from when the Air Station activities currently conducted on the was first commissioned into the RAN. For many years now, modern, state of airfield will have to be relocated, the art aircraft and components have been maintained in facilities which were probably on the farmland to the built before most of those working in them were born and many support staff south. These include a parachute continue to work in very noisy areas. drop zone, flight deck procedures With the anticipated arrival of up to 27 new helicopters for the ANZAC trainers and some areas for Ships and the mooted Offshore Patrol Vessels, the available aircraft hangarage helicopter activities like winching at Albatross, which barely copes w ith current demands, will be totally training, load lifting and basic inadequate to hangar all aircraft. handling. A master plan, which has zoned Albatross on the basis of noise levels, Hopefully most of these has been developed and this will see the operational areas of the airfield moved facilities will be in place by the turn to the south-eastern end of the current building area. Three new hangars will of the century. Certainly , those who arise to house current and new helicopters and the current squadrons will served at Albatross before the gradually move from the northern end of the airfield as space becomes 1990s who come to watch athletes available. In the fullness of time, workshops will be immediately behind the involved in pre-Olympic training in operations they support and stores, adm inistration, medical and 2000 , will not recognise the accommodation areas will be stepped back from the runways into quieter areas establishment , if all our current of the air station. The current road network will be rationalised and straightened planning comes to fruition . to provide better access for normal business and emergency situations . And 000000000 high security areas will be better protected while accommodation areas will Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 5

RAN. The organisation will be located here at NAS Nowra as a LAUNCH OF NEW NAVAL AVIATION Maritime Command lodger unit. COMMAND .AT NOWRA Embodied in this new organisation will be the formerly independent units of The Flight On Friday, 01 March 1996, that is occurring with the Sea King Safety and Standards Centre, The The Chief of Naval Staff, VADM Rod life of type extension, and, the Fleet Air Engineering Unit, and the Taylor and the Maritime acquisition of helicopters for the Air Warfare Systems Centre. The Commander, RADM Chris ANZAC frigates and the offshore contribution to naval aviation made Oxenbould, officially launched the patrol craft. The overall effect could by the personnel who have served in Commander of Australian Naval be that the naval aviation force will these units over the years has been Aviation's new organisation at expand to about 55 helicopters by extremely valuable and I would like HMAS Albatross . early-next century, and be equipped to publicly acknowledge their work Their opening addresses are with superior weapons and sensors. and commend them for it. I know published in full: Clearly , naval aviat ion is on the that the opportun ity for synergy threshold of an important period of afforded by the establishment of MARITIME COMMANDER growth and we need to ensure that COMAUSNAVAIR will enhance their all this development is properly co­ ability to do their important jobs. I am delighted to be here for ordinated and supported from both The naval aviation force , in this special ceremony to formally the operational and policy aspects. common with all other fleet assets set in place significant new In recent years, Navy, in will rema in under my command , arrangements for the management common with other services, has and COMAUSNAVAIR has been of aviation (n the RAN. At the outset, had to respond to ever increasing vested with the necessary authority I would like to stress the importance pressures to streamline its to fulfil his responsibilities through a of this new and exciting organisat ion to meet demands for personal directive from me. He will development. There is no question more efficient and effective use of be responsible for the oversight and in my mind, that the focus which resources . Put another way, supervision of the naval aviation this new organisation will be able to yesterday's way of doing business is force element group , including the bring to all matters relating to naval not adequate for tomorrow's management of resources and the aviation , will result in very requirements, even for a navy which maintenance and contro l of significant benefits for both the is noted for its proud tradit ion and operational airworthiness , as well as RAN in general , and the naval heritage. flying engineering and safety aviation community in particular . There has been a growing standards . As Maritime Commander, I am recognit ion that · the way the Squadron Commanding charged with significant management of aviation policy Officers will retain their direct line of responsibilities regard ing the matters had evolved in the last five respons ibility to the Maritime defence of Australia and the years would not adequately support Commander for the day to day protection of our national interests. the new and very taxing demands operation of the ir squadrons, but To fulfil these responsibilities , it is that are now being placed on the they are to keep COMAUSNAVAIR important that all forces in the aviation community . About two fully informed of matters which need Maritime Command are operated, years ago, shortcomings in the way to be brought to my attention. administered and supported to the naval aviation was managed were The general responsibilities of very highest standards. As a very recognised and this resulted in the COMAUSNAVAIR are even more important element of these forces , Chief of Naval Staff comm issioning wide ranging . In addition to his the naval aviation force, makes am a review of naval aviation, led by Maritime Command obligations he extremely valuable contribution to Captain David Ramsay. This review will also be responsible: the effectiveness of the Fleet. was wide ranging and as it got * to the Deputy Chief of Naval Indeed, the integrated aviation underway , it became clear that Staff for aviation policy advice at the capabilities we now enjoy are the naval aviation required a more strategic level, product of much hard work directed robust and relevant framework. This * to the Flag Officer Naval towards the development of review prov ided the basis for a Train ing Command for advice and operational concepts and proposal which allowed the Chief of subject matter expertise on aircrew procedures over the last fifteen Naval Staff to quickly put in place training requirements , years. Today, helicopters embarked measures which have led to us * to the Flag Officer Naval in our surface ships provide a force being here today. Support Command for defining multiplier effect to ship weapons In a widely distributed signal aviation logistic support systems - and one I would not want of 09 October last year , CNS requirements, to fight the marit ime battle without. announced that new arrangements * to the Ass istant Chief of Looking to the future, there are for the leadership and management Naval Staff Materiel for providing a range of new developments on the of the naval aviation force would advice on project and acquisition centre on the establishment of a horizon which will significantly matters , and Commande r Australian Naval increase the effectiveness of * to the Assistant Chief of Aviation Force. COMAUSNAVAIR, aviation in the RAN. Here I refer to Naval Staff Personnel for the as the position will be known, will be the upgrading of Seahawks with the provision of guidance on aviation the princ ipal and central aviation fitting of Electronic Warfare and personnel and manpower matters' Infra Red equipment. The upgrade operations and policy adviser for the Undoubtedly quite a job ! ... over Slipstream - April 1996- Page 6

It wont have taken you long to provided the basis for many of the realise that COMAUSNAVAIR has a CHIEF OF NAVAL STAFF changes in force structure and lot on his plate from day one, and operat ing procedures which have much is expected of the It is my pleasure to be here since evolved. organisation . The business list this morning to officially launch the Despite the decision not to includes the resolution of many Commander Australian Naval replace MELBOURNE, this did not major and complex issues Aviation Force Organisation - to be remove the requirement for naval including: designated COMAUSNAVAIR. aviation assets and personnel at * the further development of But before I do, I would like to sea. Signif icant challenges the RAN safety programme , sketch out some historical remained, as our aviators continued * detailed planning for the background to highlight the to look for the best ways to extend introduction of the New Intermediate important role naval aviation has our sea based capabilities by Helicopter (NIH), played in helping our navy to carry integrating their unique capa·bilities * addressing critical manpower out its responsibilities. I also want to into the fleet, while maintaining the planning issues for naval aviation, emphasise some of the recent rigorous and demanding standards and circumstances that served to which they set themselves in the air. * ensuring that the whole basis provide the impetus for the But enough of the past... . As for the conduct of naval aviation is establishment of the you have already heard, in 1994 the supported by appropriate COMAUSNAVAIR organisation . Naval Aviation Review was regulations and managed with In many respects, the history commissioned to examine a range appropriate controls . of naval aviation in our navy can be of issues of concern . Captain David But above all else , likened to the tides that rise and fall Ramsay and his team worked COMAUSNAVAIR will be expected on our shores. In the halcyon days diligently to study the issues . to provide leadership and of the late 1950s - a period of not Importantly , the establishment of a management for the naval aviation just high but king tide, if you like, COMAUSNAVAIR type organisation community . Leadership is not the navy operated two carriers was one of the review's major something that can be decreed and simultaneously - SYDNEY and recommendations . it is not something you can buy. The MELBOURNE . The spot light was focused extent to which COMAUSNAVAIR is But, as many of those present clearly on that recommendation by able to establish his organisation in today would appreciate, we have events last year at the Naval a position of leadership of the naval also experienced periods of low tide. Sympos ium in Sydney . In response aviation community , will depend on Admiral Sir Victor Smith, a former to concerns raised during an open how effectively he is able to provide Chief of Naval Staff, Chairman of forum , I directed that a safety audit the vision and direction that many the Joint Chiefs of Staff and our of naval aviation be conducted, that involved in the business of naval most distinguished naval aviator , limitations be placed on flying aviation are looking for; as well as described in a brief autobiography operations at sea pending empowering the naval aviation force the difficulties facing those men completion of that audit, and that to achieve its full potential This is a attempting to establish a Fleet Air organisational issues arising from major challenge, but one I am Arm in Australia in the early years. the Naval Aviation Review be confident Captain Keith Eames is He wrote : presented to me for decision as a well able to meet. 'From the end of WW'/ until matter of urgency. Today, therefore, is a very 1947 the organisation of Naval After considering the issues, it important one in the history of naval Aviation in the RAN was was clear to me that the most aviati'on in the RAN, we are taking unsatisfactory . There appeared to practical solution to resolving the the first steps in what I believe will be a certain amount of lethargy on problems which were apparent and be a continuing process of evolution the part of some senior officers meeting the challenges of the future , in the way aviation matters are towards having a well organised was to establish a Commander managed in the RAN. The Fleet Air Arm ... [and] the RAN Air Australian Naval Aviation Force with establishment of COMAUSNAVAIR Arm was something that never appropriate organisational support. is not an end, but rather a seemed to achieve any great The Maritime Commander in beginning, and I do not enthusiasm from the Naval Board of his address has referred to underestimate the magnitude of the those years .' COMAUSNAVAIR's specific task ahead. Of course , a more recent responsibilit ies. I would simply like I look forward to the future of example of a low point was the to emphas ise that from my naval aviation with confidence, it is decision in 1982 to decommission perspective , I will look to a vital part of our operational the MELBOURNE - followed by a COMAUSNAVAIR to provide capability and it is only right that decision not to replace her. At that leadership . for our naval aviation appropriate prominence is given to time I was working in Navy Office community and for the entire naval its leadership and management. and was personally involved in aviation organisation. I wish Captain Eames, the first much of the staffing . This was a Captain Eames and his COMAUSNAVAIR, every success in time of much soul-searching on COMAUSNAVAIR team face this new venture. Keith, it is up to Navy's part. Importantly though , it formidable challenges as they yoLJto set the pace and in meeting forced us to re-examine critically , consider the many important issues this significant challenge you have many of the premises on which our which bear on safe, effective, my best wishes, total support and operating philosophies were based. professional naval aviation - now trust. On a positive note, a series of and in the future. 000000000 studies and projects in those years But the future is a bright one Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 7 for aviation and for the RAN. We will shortly announce the successful tenderer for a New Intermediate Helicopter for the ANZAC class frigates and the future offshore patrol vessel. The Maritime Commander has mentioned the program to upgrade the capabilities of the Seahawk. The first of the Sea King helicopters has completed its life of type extension . Returning to my earlier metaphor, I think we are seeing the signs of another king tide. Thank you very much for your attendance this morning. It .... is now my very great pleasure to formally launch the COMAUSNAVAIR Organisation by unveiling the COMAUSNAVAIR crest, and to wish all concerned every success.

PROFILE Captain Eames and Vice Admiral Taylor unveil the COMAUSNAVAIR crest Captain Keith Eames Photo courtesy RAN

A naval aviator of 25 years experience. He is primarily a helicopter pilot who also maintains a civilian fixed wing licence. Key postings have included Commanding Officer HS 817 Squadron in 1984, Executive Officer HMAS SUCCESS, Director of Sailors' Postings, Chief of Staff HMAS STIRLING , and most recently, Director of Long Range Planning and Concepts in Headquarters Australian Defence Force.

Darcy Mcvean, Harry Jenkins, NATIONAL SECRETARY'S REPORT Joseph Kaposi, Tony Hill , John Kelly, John Siebert , Col Thornthwaite , Randy Gover, Barry First of all, a plea to all leave when the ship arrived in lceton , George Parker , Roger members - please, but please, if Melbourne; the balance of the leave Montgomery . you change your address let your due was to be taken at a later date Associates: Ede Kerr, Pat Perkins, Division Secretary know your new when the ships programme and Bill Wilson . address. Letting the Slipstream permitted . This Sailor made the Editor or myself know is okay, but, train trip from Melbourne in the WA : John Gorin . before each issue of Slipstream is same compartment as Nev Russell VIC : Wayne Smith , Tony Ward . produced, a listing of members is and myself, eventually leaving the Associates: Di Strickland , Phillipa sent to each Division Secretary to train in the early hours of the Terry, and Anne Jackson. confirm addresses , and financial morning at Mittagong. TAS: Eric Mutton. status etc. If the Division Secretary Later in the year, whilst on QLD: George Hunt, Terry Strong, is not aware of a change then he board Sydney in the Manus area, he Robert Wicks, Jim Ryan, and alters it once again, this causes became ill and was sent to Balmoral Stephen Ross. great confusion . Naval Hospital. Months passed, and * Ian Ferguson - Hon.Nat.Sec. A couple of weeks ago I the 'buzz' went around that he had died whilst in hospital. You can received a phone call advising me OWED ODE that an application to join the imagine my surprise when I heard Association had been received from the name on the applicat ion! I talked One thing a man must learn to do a ex-sailor living on the Southern to him by phone the next day and he Is pay his subs when they fall due, Highlands of NSW. This sailor had assured me he was very much alive. For now I know to my regret, joined the Navy in 1946 as a Stoker, I know there are a lot of others who The penalty it will beget. will also be surprised. Welcome to a year later he changed over to the For having in my duty failed, Fleet Air Arm and went to the UK for the Association Roger I find my Slipstream's not been mailed; training, eventually being drafted to Montgomery . No excuses can I find, the 20th Carrier Air Group at RNAS The following new members (Except a rather wandering mind). Eglington in Northern Ireland. have joined the Association since When HMAS Sydney returned the last issue of Slipstream ; So, Ed, please forgive my sin, My subs in future will be in to Australia in May 1949, personnel ACT: Joe Hattley, Philip Landon. On time. So please restore me to your list, of the 20th CAG with foreign service NSW: Chris Maloy, David Rey, And send my SHpstream, sorely missed . leave to take were sent on a months JJ Martin, Noel Parker, * With thanks to EM Slipstream - April 1996- Page 8 ,i l.:r ,i l.: ,; \\ FROMTIE4RCB1VBS ,; ii

N0.1 NAVAL AIRCREW COURSE (No.6 Course FTS RAAF Point Cook- June 1950 to December 1951) Front L-R: Stewart - Matthews - * May - * Sweeney - Ferguson Rear L-R: Becker - O'Farrell - Fargher - Wilson - Hilliard (*in dicates direct entries) Photo courtesy J. Ferguson

No. AH3 COURSE RANAS NOWRA - July 1952 Back Row L-R: Mitchell - Raddatz - Blair - Hounslow - White - Ostfe - Gregory - Barry - O'Callaghan - Robinson - Cox - Stanton - Anderson Front Row L-R: Crowton - Skinner - Davenport - Chapman - CPO Blondel - Cunneen - Vaughan - Bosanquet - Crane - Cross - Trinder - inset Les Pascoe away on Band duties. Photo courtesy KRaddatz Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 9

HMAS ALBATROSS BLUE JACKET'S BAND 1952-53 Back Row L-R: C.Carey - Col Davis - Ron Forrest - Ray Turner - 'Blackie' Dowson - C.Chisholm Centre Row L-R: Ron Pink - T.Harding - ? - John lkin -John Robson Front Row L-R: ? - 'Bluey' Carr - Cecil Hibbash (David Laird missing) Photo courtesy John lkin

SALVAGE AND MT VEHICLES AT HMAS ALBATROSS Photograph take 17 March 1953, the late Bill Zimme r is astride the moto r cycle in the centre. Note the hangar in the background that collapsed whilst under const ruction. Photograph courtesy 'Rusty ' Marquis Slipstream - April 1996- Page 10

show than the Nips themselves . CARRIERS - AS SEEN FROM A DESTROYER When the end of the war came the work of one of the carriers, HMS by Russell M. Caro RAN Rtd Indefatigable, was still not completed . Her pilots did a fine job . When the British Pacific Fleet needed a run of only half the flight in conjunction with airmen from the first · sailed from Sydney in early deck to take off: the more American carriers of the United 1945 to add its weight to that of the cumbersome bombers required States Third Fleet by carrying out American forces about to carry out every foot of the flight deck to get aerial searches over Japan for the assault on Okinawa , there were safely away. unknown prisoner-of-war camps , in the task force four destroyers that Often a plane dropped sharply and supplying those they located took part in almost every operation as it left the carrier. The wheels with food. the fleet carried out from then until almost touched the sea. Sometimes One prisoner tells a story of a the end of the war . Two were they did, and the pilot would just fellow in the camp who was without Australian, RMAS's Qickmatch and manage to raise them in time to boots. They signalled the fact to an Qwberon ; the others British, HMS's clear the water . Many sighs of relief American plane. The following day Quality and Quadrant . were breathed over that. On one five hundred pairs were dropped. !he crews of these four ships occasion the wings instead of the But flying planes on and off a during the six months that followed wheels of a plane that had just carrier was dangerous work, and were afforded a great opportunity of cleared the ~deck folded up and it remembering now those last six watching the Briti$h Fleet Air Arm in dropped like a stone into the ocean. months of the war spent with the action , for not long after the Taking off had other hazards. British Fleet I believe all who saw Okinawa campaign began they On days when the sea had a long those pilots in action would say, were given an unusual job. swell and the bows of the carrier "Well, that's one job I wouldn't like." They became KK destroyers . were dipping in and out of the Would you? The KK stood for Kounter ocean, the pilots had to judge their [Article forwarded by Eric Manuel from a Kamikaze, their task being, when take-off in order to arrive at the end 1948 magazine called. 'As You Were'.] 'Action stations' was sounded, to of the flight deck as it lifted out clear close to within a hundred yards or of the sea. A few crashed like that. so from the stern of the carrier to They misjudged their run and went r" Cockroaches! which they had been assigned, and straight off into the water without a from there to ward off any attack chance; the pilots must have known made by the Japanese suicide they were going in during those last It ain't my fault, fair dinkum, Sir; planes on the carrier. seconds they were still on the I've done me bloomin' best: But I can't keep the blighters down , It was a permanent job . So carrier. Or find their flamin' nest . permanent, in fact, that on one . Watching them returning from I've 'ucked out all the corners. Sir, occasion when Quickmatch was the strikes, too, was fascinating . And cleaned behind the sink ; taking up her position astern of And somewhat saddening. But still the little beggars come. Victorious, the skipper of The fighters flew in fours , the They do, Gawd strike me pink! Quickmatch noticing a short length bombers usually in groups of six, and as they circled around the fleet of rope trailing from the stern of the I've tried them Pusser's powders. Sir, awaiting their turn to land it was carrier signalled to her, "I still see And different kinds of spray; easy to see how many were you still have your leash there." But they don 't do no flamin ' good missing . The formations often Each destroyer trailed its Or drive the cows away. appeared uneven with a nasty­ carrier all day and night, only on odd They lay them up, that's dinkum, Sir: looking gap in the middle of them . occasions going into the screen at They seem to make them fat: They came back in all dark. Their crews had a bird's-eye And make their coats all glossy , Sir. conditions. Some with no wheels, view of all that went on aboard the Like that one on the mat. flat tops. some with one wheel, some with their controls damaged and other And it was a fascinating sight. That's 'Erbert, Sir; I know 'im well , with the pilots· wounded. Those Even now it is easy to visualise 'Cos 'im and me is mates; minus their wheels usually ditched them preparing for the strikes I wouldn't 'urt old 'Erbert, Sir, in the sea close by a destroyer, against the Sakashima Group, for For all yer leading rates! while many, not being able to make strikes against Formosa, and finally And 'Erberts pals is 'armless, Sir, the carrier, crashed into the edge of for attacks on the Japanese home That's them behind the door: the flight deck, hung there for a islands. Be careful, Sir - don't step on 'im! second or two and then fell with a The bombers came up from That 's 'Orace on the floor. the hangar deck first and were splash into the sea. wheeled back as far as possible to The KK destroyers were quick I keep some in me pockets, Sir, give them the lorigest run on the off the mark, however, one of these And one behind me ear: flight deck. The fighters were next. four destroyers holding the record of 'Ere's Sammy. Sir, and little Tom, The pilots could be clearly seen as more then thirty airmen saved. With Aggie in the rear. they climbed into their planes; the The pilots, too, gave But 'onest, Sir, I'll keep 'em down , roar of the engines was deafening . invaluable practice to the gunners Although it breaks me 'eart: Then the whole fleet turned on board the supporting warships . I'll put 'em in the Wardroom, Sir, into the wind and away they went. They carried out mock suicide And give 'em a fresh start. The nifty little Seafires and Corsairs attacks and often put on a far better Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 11

The procurement teams task obviously was to procure the items Letters to the Editor identified by the assessing team and also to catalogue those items not already catalogued in the NATO cataloguing system and to codify those items that were included in Dear Ed, the NATO system but not included I am always saddened whenever I receive my copy of Slipstream to see in the Australian defence catalogue . that all of the articles are of very ancient history written by a bunch of Procurement was to take place geriatrics. I am always hopeful that we will receive from some of our more in two phases; under phase one youthful members , anecdotes of recent operations and current aircraft. Sikorski was to supply the ISPT with The events of my offering are certainly dated and written by another a list of spares considered geriatric, but they do relate to a current aircraft . necessary to support the aircraft for Regards, a limited period that was defined but Jim Parsons I now forget the details. They were [Dear Jim, you don't know the meaning of 'saddened' until you take on the also required to prov ide the job as Editor.Despite a great deal of effort by Jim Lee, our 'arm twister', we have information to assist in not been able to get any response from our Squadrons regarding their aircraft procurement, such as their price and activities. The only people to respond to our requests over the past four and delivery lead time, the name and address of the true years have been the Kiwis from No2 Squadron! manu facturers of each item , the Many thanks for your contribution, it is a'side of the the system' that few are manufacturer's part number and privy to. stock number where available. This On a personal note, I don't mind being a geriatric, it's a privilege denied to list was to be accepted pretty much many of our shipmates. Ed.] at face value and most items were purchased and in store well before any aircraft were delivered. Spares support for Seahawk In phase two , Sikorski were to . by Jim Parsons provide the ISPT with illustrated parts breakdowns for all systems in Those who have had to comprising serving technical air the aircraft together with any operate equipment newly branch sailors and a procurement information needed to enable introduced into service will have and cataloguing element made up assessment and procurement. The undergone the agonies and of civilian officers drawn from the technical element would massage frustrations of inadequate spares naval supply branch , the whole this informat ion in weird and support in the early years. overseen by a civilian senior naval wonderful ways and then feed the Seaking and Skyhawk are two supply officer . The team leader was data into a computer program and notable examples. Mr Bob Scott , Technical team lo and behold out would come a list leader was Leut Tom Kinross and There are a number of reasons of spares and the quantities his team were CPO Phill Carey, why this occurs; the main one being required for the ongoing support of POs Bob Smith, and Mario "Z" the practice of procuring spares Seahawk . There was, of course, Zanattini , Ray Luckins and Pat from Australia using existing US quite a bit more to it than that , but Wright, ABs Andy Wilkes and Alex procurement organisations whose that is the best I can do. On receipt Darby. Procurement team leader priorities rarely coincide with the of this information, the procurement was Mr Dannie Macgrath and his priorities of the project manager . element would do their bit. team were self, Mr's Rohan Other lesser reasons are the need to Anybody who has had to Ginnane, John Allcott, Dereck Finch comply strictly with Australian research the Australian defence and Andie Balodis, the last three Commonwealth procurement catalogue will know that it is a were from Supply Manager (Air) in regulations and the need to involve painful task of browsing microfische Sydney and may be familiar to old the overseas contracting boards in sheets until one is almost blind. ASUCO or DESS hands . Our overseas procurement. Inadequate However , because most US cataloguer was Mr Terry James, to funding can also be a factor. government information is available be replaced later by ex chief 'tiffie ' In an endeavour to overcome to the public through freedom of Syd Mitchell. these problems, it was decided to information laws, it is possible to The technical teams task was to create a dedicated spares obtain from commercial sources a assess the range and quantity of procurement team for Seahawk complete copy of the US defence spares required to support the within the Naval Materiel Division ., catalogue on CD ROM together with aircraft in the field for a maximum of to be known as the Initial Spares a programme that allows the 90 days full time deployment and to Procurement Team (ISPT), and to catalogue to be interrogated to provide for two years in country co-locate this team with the obtain such information as the support . They were also to production team in Sikorskies prime manufacturer's name and determine the requirement for those factory at Stratford, Connecticutt address, which service made the items that were expected to never USA. This approach had never been last purchase, how many they fail but whose failure from events used before. bought, when they bought them and such as accident or battle damage The ISPT was to be made up of how much they paid for them . There would cause catastrophic impact on two elements; a technical element was all sorts of other useful the operational task of the aircraft . Slipstream - April 1996- Page 12 information available on the disk that was extremely helpful but is not readily available on the Australian catalogue . . Another spin off from FOi was that technical data, specifications, drawings etc for the developement of systems funded by the US Government remain the property of the US Government. As a consequence , a number of Seahawk AN1 rolls out of the hangar for the first time, celebrated by the project team . Clearly she manufacturing is not quite ready to fly yet. This exercise was to mark a milestone, the aircraft was then wheeled companies avail back into the hangar and almost completely disassembled. themselves of this information and create a niche market in high usage items, generally at a significantly lower cost than the original manufacturer can produce them . Because of the scale of the market in the US there are a number of companies separate from the manufacturers who suppiy spares almost exclusively to the aircraft industry. These companies are able to buy in quantities that are out of the question for the ordinary user and hence at a much cheaper rate. As a consequence we were also The first flight of an Australian Seahawk (AN1) quite often able to get a better deal from these sources than from the actual manufacturers . Procurement went very well in general, however, there were a few exciting moments such as the time a main rotor blade shipping container turned up in Australia sans its blade. Since all the blades are serially numbered the blade was quickly located and shipped. A more exciting event was that unbeknown to us, it is the practice in the US to fit actuating squibs to flotation gear gas cylinders at the time of manufacture. Supply Manager Air almost had kittens when the first and of course last cylinder turned up instore fitted with an explosive squib. The last I heard SM (Air) and SM (Arm) were still arguing as to who should be responsible for storage. The project was initially planned to be completed in three years but As a matter of interest, the above photograph shows the rigid rotor, or X- wing because of the slippage in prototype helicopter. This machine was projected to be the way ahead for all production of the avionics elements future helicopter development. It did fly at the hover whilst at Sikorski's works, it actually took about four and a half but I don't think it ever transitioned into horizontal flight. It was later removed to years. I elected to return to Australia Edwards Airforce Base in California and the project abandoned. Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 13

on completion of my three year term so did not see the end result but I do know that more than 80% of spares were in country before the first aircraft went operational. I have no doubt that operators will dispute that statement as according to Murphies Law the first spare required will _always be the item that has not yet been delivered into store. While the system used for initial spares procurement for Seahawk was generally considered highly successful it was also very expensive and as far as I kn(?Whas never been used since.

IGOR SIKORSKl'S OFFICE THE INNER SANCTUM - IGOR SIKORSKl'S OFFICE L-R: Jim Ireland, Derek Finch, Jim Parsons, Pat Wright , Bob Scott, Alex Darby , Tom Little, Steve Rogers, Vic Battese, Sergei Sikorski, Sikorski Rep., Bruce Hamilton , Dave Peters, When Sikorski Andrew Wilkes , John Alcock , Colin Percival and Chris Chamberlain . Aircraft was taken over by United Technologies, Igor Sikorski was kept on as a consultant and company icon, he continued to work from his old office until he died. After his death his office was maintained in the same condition as a tribute to the great man. Those visitors who saw favour in the eyes of the company were given a tour of the office and those who really saw favour were given a presentation by Igor's son, Sergei. The project team got the full treatment , a tour and presentat ion. The office still retains all of Igor's drawing implements, his many awards and presentations, photographs of Sikorski aircraft and his black homburg hat. Igor always wore a black homburg, even when test flying his prototype aircraft . There are several photos of Igor test flying his earlier model open cockpit aircraft with his black hat jammed upon his head.

Dear ~d, CAG Army Liaison Officer , poking a were all doing in the bar at that With reference to a previous stick into the fire to get a light. hour , we used to work tropical mention about Jimmy Bowles' Gordon drove Jimmy back to the routine and finish work at 1300; first bale out - there is more to Air Station in the Army Jeep and, as unless you were unlucky enough to get an afternoon Fleet Requirement the story. it was 1300, went straight to the (FRU) exercise, which occurred to Jimmy had experienced a Wardroom Bar where we had all me with some frequency as a junior runaway propeller over Beecroft congregated to ply Jimmy with beer. pilot. Range and was limping back to A pursuit Jimmy was no slouch at. As the bar shutter came down one I recently discussed Jimmy 's Nowra when the engine failed. (A runaway propeller is when the hour later, Surgeon Commander, bale out with John Berry, who was constant speed unit fails to hold the later Rear Admiral, Coplans an electr ician on Station Flight ('Mumbles') walked in on us. As he (MRU) at the time of the incident. propeller revs within limits, as well had been waiting at the Sick Bay for as engine revs, a very big no-no he had "this to add. the pilot to be brought in for a with a sleeve valved engine). In the second half of 1950 he check-out , he was not amused at had been working on a Sea Fury to The point of the bale out was what he saw. 'Mumbles' took one shortly after crossing the western rectify a generator defect , when look at the situation, gave voice to shore of Jervis Bay, over a wooded completed, AA Morrie Green then one of his one-liners, for which he area not far from Huskisson. After proceeded to ground run the was famous , then stormed off to his getting down from the tree, as aircraft . Whilst doing so he also married quarters at Jervis Bay, then stated in the article, Jimmy was in experienced a runaway propeller , a holiday resort. need of a cigarette and, while he but, as the aircraft was stationary had the cigarette he did not have a In passing, I wonder what a and Morrie was quick enough to light. He therefore proceeded to the modern, highly paid Trauma switch off the magneto switches, no burning wreck where he was found Counsellor , would say to a cigarette damage was done. The cause of by Gordon Hardcastle, the 20th and bar solution to this incident. this second runaway propeller was Before somebody asks what we that the coupling at the fireproof Slipstream - April 1996- Page 14 bulkhead, between the pilots throttle the same issue. When the photo rod and the rod to the fuel injector, was taken he must have had some was not split pinned. This resulted in presaging inspiration about the the nut vibrating off, the bolt falling future . I was intrigued about his out and subsequent loss of engine eleven years out of twelve being control from the cockpit. John went confined to Nowra, when we, who on to say that it was not an isolated were constantly on the high seas, fault and that it was found on a daydreamed of life ashore. Where batch of Sea Furies as they were was Brian in that odd year? taken out of storage. One can only I tend to agree with him about wonder if this problem had any the early days being crude although connection with the bale out. I can't recall using broken glass to With kind regards, scrape the floors. We all longed for Gordon MCPhee the new galley and dining hall to open to get away from the WW2 Dear Ed, relic that we were using, it lacked I am no longer in Alice everything, including hot water . Springs but have moved back to Mess duty was a nightmare when my unit that overlooks Boston attempting to wash the metal trays Harbour in Port Lincoln, maybe that were used in those days. We the sea views will inspire me to eventually dined in the new building 'Dooley' Lord - aged 19 and not yet write more about Navy life. sometime in 1949. aware of his great looks and I have asked 'Nobby' Hall for The report by the WA Secretary devastating charm !!! some info about his life in the Navy, stated that Dick had suffered a heart which was most extensive, he has attack whilst in Queensland but is It proceeded to be a very promised to send me some details on the road to recovery. We all hope exciting time for the ship took us to which may help me to throw some that the recovery is quick and New Zealand and other ports of call words together. If you do happen to lasting . before steam ing off to England to have contact, remind him and pass It is astonishing how a trace of pick up the 21st CAG. on my address . He has trouble information can stir memories long I can't remember whether it was keeping up with me. I think his put on hold - Capta in Beecher or Harries who history could be of great interest for I was drafted to the Sydney in was in command , but I surely know he started as a boy seaman and 40 January 1950 as a Naval Airman who the Executive Officer was! I odd years later retired as a Class Two, qualified as an Acting initially thought that being some sort Lieutenant Commander . Met 3. It would have been difficult to of protected species that worked in I've enclosed some ramblings have found anyone more junior in the Met Office that it would be a life about 1950. I get sentimental when the whole ships company. By this of leisure and little duty. I had only I think of that year for the sun time I had served a scant 14 months been on board a matter of hours always seemed to shine ( even in or so in the Navy. I was assigned to when Commander VAT Sm ith England) and I managed only once a mess on the port side hangar addressed me by name - which to become a defaulter. It was a most deck, I think it was described as H3, immediately alarmed me - and bizarre charge - 'Unintentional to most it was deluxe and enviable. proceeded to inform me that my sabotage' - I hung some washing on Fresh air and views could nearly be part of ship would extend beyond an electrical terminal (which was not advertised in the brochures, there the Met Office. To prove his point, alive) and the Duty Electrical Officer was also unused space for at the the next day I joined the 'victualling had me 'before the bloke' in a flash . most it only berthed twelve men. ship party' and learned all about VAT Smith managed to look very The mess immediately forward store rooms that were buried deep serious, as always, and laced me up berthed the ship's band which into the hull of the ship. My mess with 7 days. always had something of interest mates, by and large, were with me. Later, the same officer copped going on. They looked like Royal We left all the heavy items to five of us in the Met. Office playing Marines , extremely colourful , not 'Muscles' Vi nen who , unlike pontoon, money everywhere, he told with the bland appearance of 'Muscles West, did have enormous us to pack up and go to bed. No today's music ians. strength . charge! I think he may have been a What the brochures neglected to It was an active year and yarns nice guy deep down and wanted to say was that the lion's share of the about shore time in all sorts of keep us all out of cells - or maybe mess dwellers were Armourers with fascinating ports were numerous the whole thing was too much of a an odd SE and PHOT. Dick was and probab ly, in some cases, fag to pursue. one, with 'Morrie' Tiffen, 'Muscles' dubious about recalling . 'Muscles' I noticed in the October '95 issue Vinen, Darcy Egan and, I think, Alan made his presence known in Strait that Dick Prentice received some Pilbeam and a few RN misfits , one Street, Malta, by moving from one publicity. In the phOtograph on page of them being a three badge you­ bar to another with the aim of 35, he is seen all smiles and looking know-what 'Geordie' that no one clearing them of foreign matelots. most youthful with others, including could understand. I stayed in that There was also a French ship in Brian Worthington , who appeared mess for twelve months· and having Valetta Harbour with its liberty men more implacable than the rest. recently turned nineteen, those guys wandering about like us. We, at a Brian's reserve may be were to attest that I was to come of distance and with one eye out for explained by his letter published in age in many respects. the shore patrol, goaded him into Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 15 performing this cleansing process. with a grain of salt, but the records I moved back to Nowra twelve do show that a Mr Pilbeam was months later, by now an Able Rate, Mayor of that town for a long time . Met Class 2, I was then transferred In the photo's I am enclosing, into aircrew. one is of me aboard Sydney, This was to mean that I would coming of age in 1950, I suspect in no longer be one of the boys and UK waters because of the rig. I have ultimately would be rubbing also found one showing Dick shoulders with those who were looking very fit with maybe just a destined to become Captains, hint of the heart problems yet to Commodores and the odd Rear come. Dick was a mirthful man, full Admiral. Regardless of my of one-l iners, he was always a problematic progress I never lost worthwhile mate to go ashore with. empathy with those shipmates and I have a vague memory of us all savoured every moment of those being in Dublin (our ship was in adventuresome twelve months . Belfast) and we were all planning to Later, when I was doing Officer jump a ship to the USA and become of the Watch duties in the adjacent famous . With one accord and bay to H3, I wondered about the without a word said, we sacrificed fateful steps that took me from the fame and raced to the railway carefree side of the bulkhead to the station just in time to get the train one burdened with the mantle of back to Belfast. On the journey back leadership - a curse that is yet to be to our ship not much was said about broken. the USA plan for the comfort of the In the mid-sixties , I once again club car took over and other plans saw 'Muscles' in Elizabeth Street, were formulated as we exchanged Dick Prentice on the right in typic al Melbourne. To me he seemed a drinks . pose - all smiles. crushed, dispirited man. Not long Yours, [Bruce Loiterton centre] afterwards I heard that he had died 'Dooley' Lord prematurely. This saddened me for up until then , I always saw Dear Ed, 'Muscles', immaculate in his No.B's, I think that the enclosed is a fine old photo which could come up well carrying two depth charges away in our mag. It was taken 01 August 1955 durin g a Petty Officer's course at from his body so as not to soil his the Technical Training School, RANAS Nowra. uniform. All the best. The phlegmatic Darcy Egan was spotted in 'Happy Valley ', Frank Donnelly Konedobu, Port Moresby in the sixties and seventies working for the PING administration and enjoying the semi-colonial life. I became Darcy's Divisional Officer later in our navy days. This impressed me, but Darcy never seemed to share my importance. I saw the ever-smiling 'Morrie' later at Nowra when I was a ciwie on leave from PING. He was a Sub by then and worked as a Air Traffic Controller military style. I can't remember having much to do with Dick after the year '50, but no doubt we did have duties that brought us together. I have often wondered about Alan Pilbeam's fate for he was a great mate of mine and also my protector in the early days when the odd bully wished to take advantage of my slight stature and bloodless nature. I did hear that he married an English girl that could not measure up to the health standards to come to Australia and he was transferred to the RN. He used to boast that his Front L-R: 'Spike' Jones - Bob Conellan - Frank Donnelly - Bruce Burns and father was the Lord Mayor of Instructor Laurie Dixon Rockhampton, something we took Rear L-R: Keith Harris - Clem Conlan - ? - Ian Ferguson - ? - ? - Slipstream - April 1996- Page 16

Dear Ed, brother, he was warned to be more Dear Ed, I thought that the following careful in the future. Browsing through a copy of story may be of interest to your He eventually headed up north Slipstream and seeing a photo of readers, it originated from Cedric tO"commence his course, on arriving a group of the former Albatross ~llen, Broadbeach, Gold Coast. at his destination, he was advised Athletic Club, brought back ·many Cedric , although a New that the course had been moved to memories of the sport in the RAN Zealander, had a colourful career in an unkn.own abode. The SNO. in some years ago. the British FAA which covered the Birmingham, an old RN One happy memory was the Commander, although sympathetic Russian Murmansk convoys, the Navy's win in the lnterservice Sports Atlantic and Mediterranean theatres to Cedric's problem, suggested that at the Sydney Sports Ground . It was of operation and seven plane under the circumstances he. should the first time in some fifteen years crashes. His story is as follows : rejoin his ship but, seeing that that Navy had won and most, if not' ... Returning from Murmansk Cedric's wife lived in Birmingham , all, of the team were from RAN Air and anchored in Scapa Flow, Cedric he granted him 48 hours leave. Station Nowra. So a · few of us got received a signal from the Admiralty With train warrants arranged, together and formed Albatross AAC, to go to the FAA Medical Board at Cedric was soon on his way back to . which was affiliated to the AAA Lee on Solent, adjacent to his ship and the war. On arriving at NSW. The whole thing was done by Portsmouth . The connotation was Kirkwall, in the Orkneys, which is the sailors, although we had the that he had done an instrument adjacent to Scapa, he signalled for blessing of the powers that be. flying course and some probfem a liberty boat to take him back to For the few years of our had arisen. Cedric told his Captain HMS Striker . He received a signal in existence we fared very well in that he was at sea when he was return which said that all liberty competition and actually staged two supposed to have done the course , boats were suspended, and he was NSW Championships at Albatross. he was told to attend the Medical to report to HMS Nelson and await These were the NSW Road Relays. Board and sort it out. transport to Striker . Our members from all over When he eventually arrived for Arriving on board Nelson , he Australia competed in track, field his appointment, he duly informed headed for the Wardroom . Whilst and cross-country and won many them that ·he had never done the chatting away and sipping Pink titles. Being 100 miles from Sydney course, they responded to· this Gins, he looked over the bar and we were a country club and information by telling him t at if this was surprised to see a blue collared competed in both NSW Country and was the case, he had better do it! and bell bottomed matelot knocking State Championships . The course was to be conducted back the noggins . He asked a In track and field, John Elliot and close to Birmingham and, seeing companion , "what's a matelot doing 'Ned' Kelly dominated the field that it would take a day or two to drinking in the wardroom?" "That's events and sprints, while Len organise, Cedric had some time to not a matelot", was the reply, "It's Murray was always prominent in the kill. Whilst wandering around the John Mills, the actor." triple and long jumps. 'Prof Edward base, he bumped into Colin Cramp, Apparently a studio crew were won many an 880 and one-mile an old school chum who had just filming 'In Which We Serve', all the race-not to mention the individual arrived from NZ to start his training. stars, including Noel Coward, were title in the Country Cross Country During the ensuing conversation, enjoying the shipboard hospitality . Championships . Albatross AAC Colin mentioned that Cedric's As it turned out, the reason for also took out the 'C' Grade brother was also on the base, in Cedr ic's detour via Nelson, was Metropol itan Track and Field very short time, Cedric found his because King George was visiting Championships one summer, brother and they organised a binge the fleet. Later, when he arrived defeating the all-conquering in Portsmouth. back aboard Striker, the King came Western Suburbs AAC in a thrilling Cedric was on the carpet the over and they had a most enjoyable final with the crowd being with 'the very next day. He had been reported time in the wardroom, singing sailors' all the way . as being seen with his arm around a around the piano. The King, singing Although I say it myself, we were matelot's shoulder in Portsmouth . lustily, showed no sign of the stutter a very popular and much respected He was advised that it was he was afflicted with, but his club in Sydney and made many behaviour unbecoming an officer repertoire consisted mainly of Boy friends. The AAA NSW regarded us and frowned upon. After explaining Scout songs . It certainly made as 'a highly dedicated and that the matelot in question was his Cedric's day, and all of the crew. enthusiastic group' and often Arthur Conway-Jones remarked on our 'good Dear Ed, sportsmanship and appearance'. There is no great story behind the 1954 photograph on Pg. 7 of In two success ive years we ran Slipstream Vol.7 No.1. in relay from the Albatross gates to Sydney. The first year we finished at It was taken at Hawker DeHavilland, Bankstown, Sydney, on the completion Marrickville Town Hall in of a Vampire maintenance course . However, the AA3 next to Lex Drake is not conjunction with a festival there, we Errol Dreher but Sid Mitchell, behind me is Keith Taylor, who went to the RAAF grouped together over the last mile later on and became a Squadron Leader. accompanied by a police escort and I can't remember the names of the ciwies, they were from DeHavillands and cheering crowds. The second year SAMR. we finished in Centennial Park. A Regards, photo of our group appeared on the 'Tug' Wilson front page of the Sydney Morning [ Thanks also to Sid Mitchell for his phone call. Ed.] Herald. Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 1 7

Some names that come to mind ended up in the sick bay with a Dear Ed, in the life of Albatross MC (the serious eye injury. Eventually flight­ I am writing to inform you that first-ever Services AM Club in deck recreational running was ex-CPO Kevin 'Nugget' Nugent NSW) are: 'Ned' Kelly, John Elliot, banned, although the game of deck passed away on 28Mar96 and was John Mackie, Len Murray, Brian hockey was not only permitted but cremated at Mt. Thomas, Mt. Eagleton, Keith Shenn, Dave Carr, even encouraged , a regular Gravatt, Queensland on 'Blue' Stivey', Max Boyes, who later competition with about ten teams 01MAR96. represented Great Britain in the was a popular thing each evening. 'Nugget' died of cancer, he had Rome Olympics 400m hurdles; We 'running and fitness' types a terrific send-off with a number of Lieut Carter, RN, a brilliant sprinter often got permission to go ashore ex-RAN and RMF people formin g a whose young brother won the GB for a pre-breakfast run while the Guard of Honour. Many may not 400m championship; Lieut ship was in port. Whilst in Sydney, realise that he served in the RAN Commander 'Pat' Hannah, a very Lieut Charlie Morris, one lunch hour from 1940 to 1963, then joined the popular long and triple jumper, Lieut at ·woolloomooloo, took his RMF and served for another twelve Charlie Morris, a walker and hammer ashore for some practice years. Australian hammer champion and and slipped a little in his circling Wh ilst reading through the last Olympian and Lieut Commander take-off, sending the 16-pound edition of Slipstream, I saw mention 'Bash' Kirkwood, our president. hammer crashing through the of an old shipmate of mine, 'Stalkey' I remember that when our windscreen of a parked car! Maley, we served together at HMAS squadrons were in HMAS Sydney Albatross sporting teams did Tarangau and I would like to contact I'd train around the heaving deck of well in many competitions not only him. the carrier at sea, doing lap after lap locally but in NSW State sports Thanking you, dodging parked aircraft in the dog including soccer , RL, rugby, watches. RO Ron Mosman joined Austral ian Rules, athletics and Joe Flaherty, ex-CPO CD me a few times and one evening, in swimming . the semi-darkness, he collided with Frank McCaffrey, ex- RN, RAN. Dear Ed, the pitot head of an aircraft and {Nice to hear from you, Frank.} Just a short note to thank you for the photo of Len and myself [a Dear Ed, copy appeared on the back page I am enclosing a newspaper cutting [published in 1958], about a pet of the last edition. Ed.] we pig named 'Oigle' , which was owned by 'Righteous' Roy Torrens when he appreciated this very much. was mine host of the hotel at Coen, Cape York. Roy reckons it would have It was great to see and have a won an Oscar if it had been in the movie, Babe! yarn with the rest of the old 'gang' The old crew are all meeting for three days in Sydney and parading once who were down at Orford for the again on Anzac Day with the HMAS Sydney Association . We hope to see some AGM . of the FM 'boys' at the League's Club after the march . We never miss Chas Len, as well as having a Baldwin, how could you with his shiny head. laryngotomy for cancer of the Regards to all the gang down at Nowra. Keep up the good work with throat , has also had a triple heart Slipstream, we all enjoy reading about the latest doings and the old times. by-pass and a stroke. Because of Leo 'Taff' Evans the latter his writing isn't too good, hence it is my duty. As he says, you r------~. I can't keep a good sailor down for long. I think this attitude has helped Oiglehogs all the him no end. Will no doubt see you at the next reunion. Take care, limelightat thepub Ada and Len Ackerley [I have published this personal letter in the hope that it may give 'Oigle', the beer­ encouragement to other shipmates drinking pig, is one of the regulars at the only hotel and their families who I know to be in the far north Cape York in similar circumstances . Ed} township of Coen. He insists on his daily bottle of beer; drinks it A LETIER FROM UK from the bottle held by his Dear Ed, owner, the hotel licensee. He refuses pig-food; I am trying to find anyone likes boiled lollies, cakes who served in the same squadron and peanuts and an as my father in WW2. occasional soft drink. He He lost his log-book in July wont mix with other pigs; 1943 when the Albacore he was prefers to play with dogs. flying had to ditch in the He takes his siesta Mediterranean. At the time he was lying in his own chair. I part of the Bombardment Flight of ·------~ 815 Squadron on the way to Malta Slipstr eam - April I 996- Page I 8 for the forthcoming invasion of 'Terry's Lithgow Breweries' and, waters '53- '54, also Workshop 's Sicily. although we were mighty glad to get Section at RANAS Nowra. I know that he was in the it, we rated it well outside the 'Top The RN FAA Division Base, 'for following squadrons: 40'. those in peril down at Lee', closed at 815 Squadron August 1942 to The Braidwood Ball was great the end of March '96. There is to be September 1943 and the 'Navy' was given the honour a closing end-of-commission 826 Squadron December 1943 of selecting the Belle of the Ball. ceremony , many members and all to July 1944 The next day we set off once Branch Standards attending . A 70 ft 717 Squadron July 1944 to July again and after a few refreshments paying-off pennant will be flown, this 1945 at Nelligen we eventually arrived at will eventually be displayed at the After this he was test flying Batemans Bay. You may remember Yeovilton FAA Museum. Barracudas at Dunino Test for a few that oyster lovers were given 'picks' My regards and best wishes to the weeks and finally returned to 826 by the cafe owners and directed to Association . Squadron until he left the service in the lease across the road to collect Cheers, George Chadwick 1946. supplies for their meal. He was Lt {A) Jack Harvey All-in-all it was a great weekend. Dear Ed, RNVR, I don't know for sure whether Some others on the trip but not in Thanks for a great 'mag'. It any of his colleagues moved to . the photograph were, Doug 'Eli' brings back a lot of forgotten Ellis, Kevin 'Flung' Maxwell TAS. Australia or if they were Australian . memories and heaps of good Kevin Newley QLD. The Observer in the Albacore at reading. TO OUR ED, keep up the great the time of his ditching has been I read the enclosed advert for work and thanks for keeping us in referred to as 'Digger' Spademan the RAAF's 75th Anniversary touch. (Lt. P.R.Spademan). Airshow and I nearly fell out of my My father died thirty years ago, TO ALL , Good Health, chair when I realised that I had been Happiness and the ability to blow but it is only recently with all the wearing the wrong uniform whilst the froth off a few in 1996 if you so celebrations commemorating VE serving onboard Melbourne . desire. and VJ days that I have become Regards to all the local ex­ Regards, Geoff Larcombe completely engrossed in his career. birdies. Yours sincerely. 'Blue' Ditcham Dear Ed, [No name suppled . If you can r------., possibly supply any information to With reference to the help the writer of this letter, please photograph [HMAS Albatross] on contact me.Ed.] Page 9 of the July 1995 edition, I would like to add more names . Dear Ed, Back Row: fourth from Right Regarding the photo on page Kevin Parks - last on Right John 14 of the October 1955 issue Cantell Centre Row : third from Right [photo from Owen Holston] I am BLAST FROM THE PAST able to identify almost all the Rod Moody - centre Sublt Jim A4 Skyhawks served with 'bods' included therein. Waterhouse the Royal Australian Air Back row from left: Guiseppe Regards, Angelo 'Joe' Bonvent i NSW - Timothy J.O'Halloran Force on board Australia's Godfrey 'Geoff Lambert Butler last aircraft carrier, . the NSW - Self, Geoff Larcombe TAS A LETIER FROM UK HMAS Melbourne. {after 36 years in Queensland) - Mick McCulloch TAS - Jim Lee - Dear Ed, Eric Treloar QLD. It appea rs t hat there are a Dear Ed, Front row from left: Jim Carroll - number of even ts listed on the I am enclosing a photograph 'Rip' Lamont NSW {Braidwood) - NSW Division calendar . My [see front cover] from an old can't recall - Don McCulloch T AS - apologies for missing out on the friend of mine, Dave Eagles. Owen Holston - Len Zuch - Billy AGM. In his covering letter to me, he Blackwell VIC. Recently I have been pleased in promised to write up a few things for The photograph was taken having obtained a photo print of the Slipstream and also mentioned that outside the Steam Packet Hotel, official sealed pattern of the HMAS he would like to hear from old Nelligen [It's still there . Ed], on Sydney badge. The topic of this friends, his address is: Gatecote, Sunday 7 September 1952, the day ship's badge had arisen at our local Omokoroa Station Road, RD2, after the Braidwood Ball, which was Branch Meeting {Manchester FAA TAURANGA , New Zealand - Phone the main purpose of the weekend Association), between Don Short, 0011-647- 548 1014. trip. an AM{E) who had served in Sydney Dave was one of my glid ing This was the time when bottled in support of 816 Squadron when instructors in 1957. The thing that I beer, or indeed any beer, was working up on formation '48-'49, most remember about him, was that extremely hard to get, but 'Rip' had and myself . Another branch at the top of his launch he would do arranged supplies to be collected at member , Jack Wilkie. An ex­ six loops back down the strip and a little place called Nerriga, which is POREL{A&R), served RN loan to land on coming out of his last loop. on the way to Braidwood . I will RAN '52-'55 , on 805 Squadron , Talking about loops, perhaps a never forget the beer, a brand called Vengeance and Sydney - Korean Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 19 certain 'Barry' might like to tell us Handler on loan from the RN, last the whole cruise. I remember that it about his attempt to do one or more on the right in the same row is Ron was a hot, calm, glassy-sea'd rest and his passenger's view on his Newsome from Queensland . Sitting day and John was detailed to ferry effort! on the mainplane on the extreme some (more senior) officers over to I would like to take this left is Merv 'Slim' Harris, next to him the RN carrier for an exercise wash­ opportunity to make a public is Ray Moncrief, 8th from the left up, over a few jars, I would think. apology to Graham Rohrsheim for and next to the fuselage is Leading With so much gold braid on board, almost killing him. Airman Lemon, also on loan from weight factors may have In 1959, when I came back to the RN. approached critical but, as John RANAS for Reserve Training, I went Sorry I can't help out anymore says, he was a junior lieutenant. to the Gliding Club to do some but the old eyes aren't as good as Doubtless the nil wind and high gliding, Graham , the duty instructor, they used to be. temperature conditions contributed said that I had to be checked out. Hope this information helps out to the splashdown just off the 'Brit' Down the strip we go in the a bit and best wishes for the future. carrier's flight-deck . JD was the only Kookaburra - 1200' - release - left Ken Marsden - Clontarf Qld. casualty , but TLC in Melbourne circuit - doing well and half way soon had him fighting fit and ready to check-out all that Bombay could back when he told me to do a wing Dear Ed, stall. Drop the nose - go into stall - offer. John Da Costa's letter about sit back - nothing said about pulling I meet John occasionally at ditching a Sycamore helicopter in out of it! I wasn't sure how to do so reunions and have to report that he March 1961 coincided with my anyway! Down to 200' - air speed went on to senior rank in the RAN, 180kts - thankfully, at this juncture, sorting out a very large photo retained his good looks and his instinct for self preservation took collection. The one I've enclosed obviously suffers not at all from his over and l\e pulled us out of the is of good technical quality brief sojourn in the 'oggin'. Perhaps dive, flew back and landed . On (ship's photographer) and I he will tell us in more detail of the exiting, he gave me a few choice thought that it may be of use to ditching, especially the names of the words and told me to stay away Slipstream. more senior officers who from the glider. The connection with John is this; energetically asserted their right to Later that same afternoon, Geoff very shortly after this picture was leave the sinking aircraft with such Strickland, the Chief Instructor, took taken on Melbourne, John was alacrity, even if it did mean using pity on me and we went for another occupying the same cot in the Sick the Da Costa torso as an exit ladder. flight, this time it was successful Bay as the patient shown in the To refer back to the patient in and I was right to fly the next day. I . picture, who had just had his the photograph, his appendectomy don't think I was ever a good glider appendix removed . John's meant that for a few brief minutes, pilot. occupancy was a little more the medics in Melbourne were in Cheers, Roger R. dramatic , he was under our care as command of the whole fleet; this his lungs had taken I an amount of was because the admiral felt that we the Indian Ocean during his ditching Dear Ed, should dictate course and speed of the chopper . This occurred during during the operation to ensure Recently I was shown copy of Melbourne's cruise in the first half of maximum stability . Necessary or the January 1996 edition of 1961, taking in Australian ports and not, there was no way we were Slipstream. On page 35 there Bombay, Karachi, Trincomalee (12 going to pass up such an appeared a photograph of 'Stalky' sheep and a cricket pitch), opportunity . Maley, myself, Col Thornwaite Singapore, 'Honkers', Subic Bay, With good luck to Slipstream, and John Heffernan, in the Manila, Manus. may you attract lots of similar caption you asked where and In the big multi-navy exercise in reminiscences, there must be loads when? the middle of the Indian Ocean, the of good stories waiting to be told. I too have a copy of that patient lost his appendix and John You are much appreciated by - particular photo and can let you lost his chopper - the only aircraft on 'Tommy' Thompson (Doc) know that it was taken in the public bar of the Criterion Hotel on the corner of Pitt and Park Streets in Sydney. I am not too sure of the date but I think it was either late 1949 or early 1950. The last I heard of 'Stalky',was that he was living at Allambie Heights in Sydney. Quite some time ago I heard that Col Thornwaite was over in West Aussie, Perth, I think . John Heffernan was living around the Wollongong or Dapto area. In the photograph that appeared below, with the old Spitfire in it, I can recognise a few faces. In the 2nd row on the left is yours truly, 5th from the left is PO Moyland, a PO Slipstream - April 1996- Page 20

Dear Ed, second one which On October 13 last resulted in a rush job on year, a historic occasion the third edition. took place at Archerfield The British Consul, Mr Airfield, Brisbane, with Peter Broom, did the the presentation of a unveiling . A good number plaque commemorating of the Queensland FAAA the Royal Navy FAA who members turned up, occupied this airfield including the Divis ion during World War Two President , Barry Lister and members of his when it was known as committee. During the HMS Nabsford. Former Consul's address , he RN Petty Officer, John mentioned the fact that Barker, of Camp Hill, almost 400 ships served Brisbane, who served at out of Australian ports Nabsford, saw his with the British Pacific months of effort and Fleet in the battle against negotiations come to the Japanese . They fruition. included four 35,000 ton The idea for the plaque battleships, 26 aircraft came to John when he carriers, 17 cruisers , 40 attended a 50th destroyers , 36 Anniversary for the John Barker on left with Arhur Conway-Jones and Cedric Allen , submarines and 6 midget American 5th Bomber representing war-time pilots, and Queensland Division submarines . Force at Amberley air representative , Alan 'Weed' Smith. The Fleets were base where , in all the manned by over 200,000 men. The speeches being made, not one moment' . Not to be outdone, he men and women of Archerfield mention was made of the British approached the Minister for Veteran provided the support to the allied and Commonwealth contribution to Affairs, Con Sciacca for a grant of armies and the navies of the Pacific. winning the war in the Pacific . In an $1264, after a wait of several HMS Nabsford was a Technical Air effort to do something about it, he months, he was granted $600 - the Maintenance yard which serviced decided that HMS Nabsford's war wheels were starting to turn. hundreds of planes, on occasion, record should be recorded for His next approach was to there were several hundred parked posterity. Wayne Roberts of Station 4BC, here on the gravel. For a brief period After discussions with John, the Brisbane. After telling his story he it was also a Mobile Naval Air Base Manager of the Archerfield Airport was told , "Okay - you're on the air, which was designed to carry the was quite keen to see something make your broadcast". Apart from fight to the Japanese as the assault recorded of the RN's occupation anything else, he had four of his troops captured territory . there, he in turn, discussed the ex-shipmates contact him who had To quote the British Consul, "It is proposal with the Federal Airport's served at Nabsford, none of whom important and right that HMS Authority who granted permission he had seen or heard of for fifty Nabsford be not forgotten, this for John to proceed. years. plaque will ensure that memories John's first approach was to the The date for the presentation are not forgotten . Ladies. and Admiralty in London for a directive was set, the catering arranged and gentlemen , I have great pleasure in on the wording of the plaque, the the plaque duly engraved - BUT - unveiling this plaque." response was that 'they were too the engraver misspelt one of the Arthur Conway-Jones busy to devote time to this at the words, repeated the error on the

RANAS NOWRA 1948 MECHANICS COURSE No.1 (NAR 7)

Back Row L-R: Bill Bolitho Ron Kingsley Geoff Strickland Ross Jeffreys

Front Row L-R: ·Aussie' Austin George Mullins Rick Hammond Bryan Dunn Bert Glossop Missing: Ron Pink - he took the photo! Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 21

Dear Ed. Dear Ed, The photo on page 28 of the I hope that the enclosed photo is of some interest to you and your January '96 edition of Slipstream members, it was taken during catapult trials[HMAS Melbourne] at was first published in a local Portsmouth during December 1955. paper shortly after or during the The deadload you see in the picture is a skid deadload as opposed to the Sydney's refit, it was before the wheeled deadload used in trials in Australia and was the first fired from the ship's second tour of duty in catapult. It may be hard to believe, but prior to launching this 'beast', heavy ·Korea; the pose was by either the grease was spread over the full length of the catapult on either side of the Chief Shipwright or the Buffer. shuttle so that the deadload would move fairly freely down the track during The story pehind the _Sf?roll is launch. interesting. It was d.esigned in 1948 We had a pretty good run initially, but we ran into trouble when the shuttle by Able Seaman Allen Cliff o/n pistons seized up in both cylinders some thirty feet after the launch started, due 29570, who, together with other entirely to insufficient lubrication to the cylinders . members of the Sydney's ship's This resulted in my spending the whole of Christmas Day 'inside' the company, were standing by in HMS Starboard cylinder, grinding the score marks from the cylinder which had been Glory preparing the Sydney for caused by the seizure. Hardly a nice job in the depths of a UK winter! commissioning . The carrier you can see in the background is HMS Bulwark , the little chap in the foreground is me, acting as Safety Officer for the trials . It may be of further interest to you to learn that the Melbourne had the first fully operational steam catapult in the world, and the first carrier fitted with the angle deck, mirror landing aid and fully developed up-dated arresting gear, to be fully operational. t, I could probably regale you with stories of Melbourne's initial flying activities and the pilots and observers who, I suppose at that time, achieved results that surprised even them. I think I have spoken enough for this period and close with the wish that you and yours are all well. Regards, 'Curley' Fahey Able Seaman Allen Cliff

Allen's idea was to have the battle honours of the former Sydney embracing the ship's badge, leaving room for future additions , the whole ·piece to be carved out of one solid slab of English oak with ·no paint or varnish treatment. The design was approved by Captain Dowling and Commander Beecher, the shipwright set to work and the result was a magnificent piece of design and craftsmanship . Allen and his mates were duly congratulated by Commander Beecher and the ship was commissioned . 'Now, where shall we hang it for all to see?' It was hung just above the pilot's ready room on the island, but not for long, a Firefly soon reduced it to chips! You can imagine the tears of blood and the search for guilt. Allen Cliff completed his term in the navy having served in HMAS's Sydney, Burdekin , Anzac , Hawkesbury, Shropshire and Kanimbla. He became a highly respected police segeant at Holden Hill, one of Metropolitan Adelaide's busiest precincts, he is now retired and in good health. PS: I think the Firefly in question was VX 378 (218) Slipstream July 1995. Ambrose Boulter Slipstream - April 1996- Page 22

Dear Ed, Congratulations on the forewords _of the last two issues of Slipstream, by two senior RN'ers but with connecti on to our Fleet Air Arm. The picture of the Duke of Edinburgh is a rare one in the uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet of the RAN and it was great to see that Ben Bathurst did well on his return from his stint in the colonies. I hop e he is not embarrassed by you promoting him to Admiral of the Fleet while wearing the uniform of Admiral. The current First Sea Lord, Sir Jock Slater, is also an Admiral, with no serving Ad. Of the Fleet in the RN although they never retire. Perhaps they don't have a fleet, but we don't have a FOCAF either, that's what the politicians have done to us. Enclosed are a couple of photographs from the early sixties, one shows, amid others, Ben Bathurst, Neil Ralph and Hiriam Bronson (USN) also on exchange at the time. The group is the first OFS on Wessex with 725 Squadron (Benny Matthews in Command) . There couldn't be a course that contained more 'brass hats', even if you don't count all the airline 'captains'. Regards, Don McLean {Sir Ben supplied the photograph accompanying the foreword, maybe he likes the 'younger' version better . The Duke's Press Secretary advised us that his photograph was available for purchase from HMSO in the UK. As Slipstream is run on the 'smell of an oily rag principle', the published photograph was torn from an old magazine. Ed.] Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 23

PRESENTATION OF HMAS ALBATROSS PLAQUE ADVANCE BOOK INFORMATION

During celebrations in Portsmouth for the British Pacific Fleet I East HMASGLORY Indies 50th Commemoration, ACT member and ex-Telegraphist Air by Peter Barrett Gunner, Bill West, presented a suitably engraved HMAS Albatross plaque Forewo rd by Rear Admiral to the organising committee. Godfrey Place VC CB CVO DSC Correspondence from the events chairman, Stuart Eadon, The history of HMS Glory is a since Bill's return to Australia, very compre hensive study of a single reads in part: ship, dealing with many different 'A belated but tremendous aspects of wa r, peacetime and social 'thank you ' tor the splendid crest. conditions aboar d an aircraft carrier Please pass on all our Best during the 1940s and 1950s . In that Wishes to those who had a hand era naval air power increased like a in it. rising wind and the aircraft carrier 'At · the final BPFIEI Fleet reigned sup reme in the Royal Navy. Committee meeting near Stroud Although HMS Glory was not on the 14th of March, where the one of the bigger carriers her crest was greatly admired, it co ntributi on towards the was decided in order to secure tremendous potency of the Fleet Air its future, that it would be passed Arm was enormous. The flying to Terry Thorne, 'our man in records achieved during her years of Pompey ', for him to put it with other commemorative crests operational duty show the dedicated which will be displayed for all to professionalism of everyone on see at Portsmouth City board, Administration in Guildhall She was not a handsome ship in Square.' the way destroyers, cruisers or In the group that went to the battleships were, but she was Bill West, left, presents the Albatrossplaque to UK to participate in the impressive: a floating airbase with BP/El Fleet Committee Member , celebrations, nine of them were Dickie Richardson DSM . hangars, workshops and repair ex-crew members of HMAS shops . Her flight deck was 690 feet Quiberon. The destroyer was the lndefatigable's escort on frequent occasions long. Living conditions were austere and had picked up some of the downed flyers. compared with today's Navy. On one occasion, an 820 Squad ron Avenger returning from a strike in a The author has researched in damaged condition , went over the side after landing . Quiberon picked up all three crew members, plus a sailor who got caught up in the event. The letters, squadron diarie s, journals, destroyer had four extra mouths to feed for a few days, but they were well reports and log bo oks. Illustrations looked after. A sailor from Quiberon even provided the TAG, Bill Jones, with a from priva te and official sources tooth brush and paste. A gesture that was very much appreciated and one that cover Glory's whole career. Bill promised to repay some time in the future . Fifty-one years later, the promise Peter Barrett joined the Navy at was fulfilled at the reunion. 16, in 1949. After introduction at HMS Royal Arthur, he joined the aircraft carrier Illustrious. Qualifying from the School of Aircraft Handling at HMS Siskin, he was drafted to HMS Glory with the Mediterranean Fleet in 1950 and, following a tour in Korean waters, was posted to the Naval Air Station at Machrihanish, Argyllshire. In 1953 he joined 803 Squadron, who were flying Supermarine Attackers, the first jet fighters allocated to an FAA front line squadron. Further service was on Eagle and Albion, and at Malta . He completed his career at the FAA base, HMS Heron, Y eovilton. For more details contact : Parapress Ltd., 12 Dene Way, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent Ex-TAGs (820 Sqdn) and ex-Quiberon crew members at the·50th T N 30NX L-R: Rex Sweatman - Allan Latham - ? - *Roy Gibbs - *Bill Jones - 'Shorty' Walding - Ray Semmler - *Bill West- *'Bing' Crosby- Des Badcock (*Denotes TAGs) Reference: ISBN 1-898594-36-8 Slipstream - April I 996- Page 24

'HUGHIF- aSIIIU frlDI M • IQuadrlnLile 111k -T• 'frankiemt JIIDie'

805flew from Nowra Hearthe boysbitch in the crewroom WhenAl comesover the roundown To embarkfor a tropicalcruise Waitingfor flyingto begin To the goofersit lookspretty weird Wewere greeted in Vengeancethe rightway No needto get excited His seat'sso far to the bottom TheFish-heads bought plenty of booze Theship's still lookingfor wind There'sjust a flying beard Ohland us on, Hughieland us on. Ohsend some round , Hughiesend some round. Ohwave him off, Hughiewave him off.

TheSquadron owned Sea Furies TheA .D.R.'s reallya whizzer Jamesmade a dartat the flight deck Lardyand how they could fly With liner,buster and gate Nearlywent over the side '111they got in the circuit No needto wasteyour petrol Butthere 's no foundationin the rumour Thenthey prayed to the Lordon high Theinterception's sure to be late ThatBevan was hypnotised Ohhelp us on, Hughiehelp us on. Ohland us on, Hughieland us on. Ohkeep him on, Hughiekeep him on.

Thebatsmen are keen and agile Fiftyone calling Hostage Mac'san aceat live bombing Performingtheir witch doctor dance What'sthe bogies'angels and course Onany target we choose Withleans high-dips and come-ans Waittill we signalto FOCAF Butto stopthe slaughterof wild fowl Theboys don't stand a chance He'llsend it backin morse Hedecided not to dropthem fused Ohget us down, Hughieget us down. Ohland us on, Hughieland us on. Tellthe BrisbanePress, Hughie tell the press.

Fergiecame in for a landing Air SeaRescue's no problem Rocketing'sfraught with danger Flyinga littletoo fast If in a dinghyyou drift WhenFuries and Fireflies mix Hishook missed all the wires Justwait for McPheeor McMillan There'sno needfor flak neara target Hewent half up the mast In Bristolsmobile lift Whenyou fly with 816 Ohhelp him down,Hughie help him down. Ohhoist us in, Hughiehoist us in. Ohtry again.Hughie try again.

Wehave to getup in the morning Bill is our SeniorPilot Nowwe've finished th is work-up Aroundabout quarter to four And of him all Subbiesbeware We'reamazed that we'reall still alive Totwitch on the endof a booster Theyreckon the veryfirst wordshe spoke Despitethe boosterand batsmen Andpour on the oldfull bore Were"Get into the air'' There'sstill an 805 Ohhelp us off, Hughiehelp us off. Ohwhere's the whip, Hughiewhere's the whip. Ohfly us home, Hughiefly us home.

Aircraft Handlers 629 AS A MATTER OF INTEREST ...... Safety Equipment 33 In December 1945, a committee was formed to draw up the RAN Naval Photography 27 Aviation Plan. The RAN had no naval aviation expertise except for a small Meteorology 10 group of officers who wore observer wings, so the committee had to identify the Aircraft Maintainers (Note 2) hardware required and the manpower bill to man the RAN Fleet Air Arm. Air Artificers 66 All billets had to be established and costed. A huge task, but less than Air Mechanicians 32 eighteen months later, not only was the comprehensive plan finalised, it had received the approval of the Chifley Government. SAM(A) 113 Then came the second miracle. Within fifteen months of receiving the SAM(E) 109 go-ahead, the naval air station (Albatross) and two squadrons (805 and 816) NA(AM) 516 were commissioned. Fabric Workers 12 The plan contains some interesting statistics and some of these are given Electrical Artificers 26 below. The costing is in Australian Pounds. Electricians 42 SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT Electrician' s Mates 96 2 Light Fleet Carriers @ £2,587,000 £5,175,570 ERA's 14 110 Sea Furies (Note 2) @ £28,487 £3,133,570 Shipwrights 9 118 Fireflies (Note2) @ £23,237 £2,741,966 Total Manpower Bill 4019 MANPOWER Note: These were the planning General Service personnel figures . Records indicate that 101 Officers 176 Sea Furies and 108 Fireflies were purchased. Ratings 1825 Civilians 94 Note 2: The figures for Aviation personnel maintenance ratings includes a 15% Drafting Margin. Aviation Officers 99 Rating Pilots 73 By the way, did anyone ever Aircrewmen. 39 know a fabric worker? by 'Tad' Slipstream - January I 996 - Page 25

Rick Hammond still has a big problem with his legs and they can't NEWS . FROM THE do any more for him. Barbara, his wife, has recovered from her own hospitalisation and is looking after DIVISIONS him. Eddy Cook has been in hospital much of Greg. Our best wishes go for an operation on his back. The WESTERN AUSTRALIA out to both of you. operation had to be cut short This is our Division's 21st because his blood had been thinned Birthday this year . We will be too much and they were having Here we go again, another holding our Birthday Reunion trouble controlling the bleeding. He missive to the Apostles! Time sure Dinner on 30 November, the venue is now at home and on the way to does get away from us and that will be decided when we are able to recovery . We miss you at the dreaded CRAFT is catching up with get an idea of the numbers meetings, Eddy. us all. It's terrible when you can't attending. Jack Suriano, with the Our AGM was held in February remember what's happened and able assistance of Joe Jost, has and the Office Bearers for 1996 are: what you are to convey to the mob. taken on the task of organising the President: Hilton Devereux I've tried keeping notes, but can't event. Let us make this a great Vice President: Eddy Cook remember where the paper is that night , please let the organisers Secretary : Theo Bushe-Jones they were written on. know if you are attending. We will Treasurer: Ron Tate Firstly we have disbanded the let you know the cost involved when This year we ask that fellow FAA sub-branch of the Naval the arithmetic is completed. There is members come forward and help us Association'. Ron Tate will stay non­ plenty of time yet, but please mark to help you ! attached, Hilton Devereux has the day on your calendar. Visitors I will leave you now and wish transferred to the Fremantle sub­ from the Eastern side of the you all the best of health to you and branch and I have transferred to continent who may be in the area your families . From all in the West Rockingham. What other members are most welcome to attend. to all you people in the East who are have done I cannot say. There are still a few members unable to live here. This has come about because who have not as yet paid their dues. * Theo Bushe-Jones - Hon. Sec. the sub-branch membership - If you haven't paid, this could be [With reference to Greg and dropped to eight members . The your last Slipstream, so get busy Anne Kelson - you can imagine their State Council asked the Naval · with those cheque books! joy to be presented with a grandson Association Federal President, Keith Murdoch was at one of our on the same day as their wedding 'Knobby' Clarke, for his views when recent meetings, he looked well anniversary , you can also imagine he was over here last year. He said and, as he said, 'he has his days'. their grief when Anne suffered a that he wouldn't close sub-branches We hope they are many more, pal. stroke a short time later . if they got down to four members, Lou Burns has had another spell but would endeavour to recruit In a letter written in February in hospital where he underwent tests from WA , Greg had this to say: members into the sub-branch. The for Staph. He is back home but still 'Anne is now in the Rehabilitation State Council then put forward a a bit weak on it. resolution to the forthcoming Ward where the course of Federal Conference of the Naval Association that, 'when a sub­ branch dropped below twelve members it would no longer exist.' So, rather than wait until the shouting stopped, we decided to fold the sub-branch and apply for affiliation to the Naval Association, this only costs twenty dollars a year as opposed to eight dollars per year for each member. I ran into Greg Kelson in the shopping centre a while ago, he told me how his wife, Anne, had suffered a stroke after they arrived over here for a holiday to see their family and new grandson. Anne was treated in the Fremantle Hospital and has now been discharged and returned to Nowra. Whilst over here Greg made contact with Lou Burns, Keith Murdoch, Keith Doncon and Kerry Sojan. With all the running back and L-R: Anne Kelson in the garden at Fremantle Hospital with visitors forth to the hospital we were not Avis and John Gorin . able to do much for them, or to see John, ex-LAM(A) 1954-'61, has recently j oined the Association . Slipstream - April 1996- Page 26 physiotherapy has begun. The team per year to their door - FREE ! Christmas Dinner, Blair Athol Hotel. have done wonders with her. In just Incidentally, this year will be our Pick a couple of functions to a short time they have Anne tenth year of providing the attend, we certainly need your standing, maintaining balance and newsletter and I can still only type support . Promise you will enjoy now teaching her to walk again. She with two fingers! The Coopers have yourself . has no control in her left arm nor come to some arrangement with Mrs Joyce Howlett, our only Life retraction of her left leg and no their local council to allow all the (Social) Member, is no more! She in control of the knee and ankle. She is photocopying we require to fact married Bill Ryan on 10 March. gaining strength from day to day.' complete the newsletter. This is Bill is ex-RAN. Congratulations to Anne is now back in Nowra certainly an enormous saving to Joyce and Bill who are at present undergoing therapy. They wish to members. honeymooning somewhere in thank their many friends for the Renewal of membership for '96 Bolivia . She said something about support they have given them. Ed. ] is now overdue as you all well know, John Saywell paying for the trip if so contact John Saywell direct or only she could contact this post back a renewal form with character at one of those large SOUTH AUSTRALIA cheque to his address. Refer to your international banking groups . last 'Fly Navy' for details. Fees are Sounds all above board to me! on page one. Don't forget to add on To those members who are on As the Autumn colours slowly $8 for the Slipstream journal. the sick list for what ever reason, appear throughout the Adelaide John Berry has asked me to cheer up, as we all wish you well Hills and Plains, they herald yet include a message about our past and hope to see you soon . another change in seasons. We member , Brian Gilroy . Brian has To those new members - pause to wonder at all the changes lived in Victoria , for what ever Welcome . in our own lives, our own colour reason . Unfortunately, he died To 'Trader' Horn and Ken Hyde, change (to grey) on craggy, barre:n whilst on the 6th green at Port who are the only members we see features. To wonder at those misty Lonsdale on 19 February 1996. He who can still squeeze into their memories of our misspent youth is survived by his wife Pam and one naval uniform on Anzac Day - how whilst under the protection of the daughter. do you do it? White Ensign. More reason than g Our major raffle was duly drawn Finally, I'll finish with another ever to put the history of sacrifice , by the committee , the following are blinding 'Naval Blunder from days struggle and triumphs down in book the winners : gone by - form. For surely as those seasons 1st Prize - Robert Kreig, son of change, so too will our collective 'On 23 January 1915, the memb~r Jack . memories of past deeds done. Let German armoured cruiser , B/Ocher, 2nd Prize - Maurice Davies , us all get behind this new venture rolled over and capsized with the member . and donate to the 'History of Naval loss of over 900 men after being Aviation in Australia' . (Refer to 3rd Prize - Robin Wood , battered by the British battle Slipstream). member . cruisers at the battle of the Dagger Bank. The B/Ocher was far too weak The AGM was successfully 4th Prize - M. Ingram and too slow to stand in the line of managed on 16 February with the 5th Prize - Ken Bryant, member. battle with the faster German battle expected results . No pushing or 6th Prize - N. Leigh cruisers , under Admiral Hipper, bloodletting apparent as the I am pleased to see so many which managed to escape when a committee positions were filled . members actually come away with signalling error by Lieutenant Ralph Junice Coper chaired the meeting a result at long last. Congratulations Seymour, aboard the British with the following results . Mary to all the winners and a 'Well Done' flagship , Lion, caused the other Raynor - President for the second to the ticket sellers and support British ships to call off their pursuit.' year, Ron Richards - Vice President, staff. Treasurer John is smiling! he only needed a slight nudge. The The social Secretary has been Regards to one and all, Secretary and Social Secretary went toiling away behind the scenes * Roger Harrison - Honorary to Dinsley Cooper, ably supported gathering up several varied social Whipping Boy by Junice. The position of Treasurer functions that should please some, went to John Saywell, he muttered if not all. Listed below are those TASMANIA something about the failure of the functions in order and as they association funds to electronically approach you will receive a 'notice transfer to somewhere in Bolivia, of intention' which should be handed News time again from the Island hence the second year for a retry! or posted to Dinsley. Phone him if State . Not a great deal has Committee members are, Ken you don't like the taste of the new happened, we're probably still Bryant, John Daly, Jim Elston and stamps . recovering from Christmas - back to John Berry who volunteered. Will 22 June - BBQ lunch at the work - kids back to school - State have to keep an eye on him! State Adelaide Hotel. and Federal Elections . Hell! It's Delegate is Mary with the 07 August - Old ime Music Hall, Easter and Anzac Day! It's amazing assistance of John Saywell. St. Leonards Inn. how time flies when you're having After a one year rest as editor, I 22 September, Harris Bus Tour, fun. have once again restarted our local includes winery and BBQ lunch. The Tasmanian members will be 'Fly Navy' Newsletter, with all its TBA November - RAAF Base meeting at Ulverstone this year, items, photos and jokes, as from Edinburgh. members will be advised by letter of February this year . All financial 07 December - Assoc iation the details. members will receive four copies Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 2 7

Ex-CAA Alan Andrews has had nominate for re-election due to of the FAA recogn ised and a treble by-pass operation but is private commitments and we thank celebrated , but it was not coming along at a great rate of them for their time and input into encouraging. knots. I visited him in 'sick-bay' a Division affairs over the past 12 Our NSW Division PR few days after his operation, apart months and more. representative (Mike Lehan ) has from the hospital 'scran', he didn't A number of matters brought to been nominated as the Chairman of have a complaint in the world . His the attention of the AGM by our 50th Anniversary sub­ comment was, 'that he was resting members , will be discussed at our committee (yet to be formed) , to get nicely, thank you'. next Division meeting and each of things moving. I have heard that Bill Lowe, ex­ the members will be advised by POAH, had some outings with the letter as to the outcome of their TELSTRA SMART SAVER Ulysses Club [Motor Cycle Club] inquiry or suggestions. DISCOUNT SCHEME during their big tour of Tasmania . Bill seems to get younger as he gets THE HISTORY older, at least that's how his We have commenced the nephew, ex-AH Geoff Singline , Telstra smart saver project which is Following the decision of the describes him. I suppose that by aimed at raising funds for the National Council to have the Naval being active you don't get time to Assoc iation and offering members Aviation Museum take over the age - just mature. considerable discount on their project of having the History of the telephone accounts . Stafford Lowe I don't have much to write about RAN FAA written, things are is the organiser and will be in this issue, except to add that underway . Reference to the project forward ing applicat ion forms as which we already know, and that is is made elsewhere in this journal soon as they are available . how this wonderful magazine has and I hope the final product will be brought sa many old friends back something we are all pleased and together again, for some of us it's AMENDMENTS TO NSW proud of. To be successful though, half a life time. CONSTITUTION it is important that experiences of Best wishes to all our readers, life in the FAA not only at sea but at * 'Jake' Jacobs the Air Station (both inside and Proposed amendments to our outside the Main Gate) be Division Constitution, necessary in order to comply with current NSW VICTORIA communicated to the Museum so that the author has the opportunity Government legislat ion, were of including them in the book. passed by members at the AGM on Greetings to all. Life in the _ Married Quarte rs, 10 March 1996. Our Division convened its AGM Paynes Bus to town (with the Those amendmen ts were on 11 February, the following were dozens of prams and stro llers . accepted by the Department of Fair duly elected to head up the hanging on the rack at the back), Trading (NSW Gov't Protection committee for 1996. into town AM and home PM - some Agency) effective of 01 April 1996. President: Les Jordan could give great stories which would The secretary is currently Vice President: Frank Crowe be of great interest. Some of the amending the constitutio n and new members will receive an amended Secretary: Ron Christie wives and families are bound to copy in the near future . Treasurer: John lkin have a good 'dit' about life in Greenwell Point or Husky or the In the meantime , all holders of Committee Members: John Basin or the Nowra/Bomaderry our constitution dated December Champion, Alan Clark, Jim township, or what about the 'First 1992, should make the following Kalmund , Bill Martin and Ralph Married Quarters' up at the Show amendments : Mayer. Grounds - caravans and Firefly The AGM was well attended, the packing cases being the building Page 8, Para 16(a) change weather perfect - believe it or not. code of th.e day. With a bit of luck, 'Charitable Collections Act 1934' to We all had a very pleasant day, Brian and Ailsa Dunne might read read 'Charitable Fundraising Act sitting around in the garden setting this and find time to pass on their 1991'. of the Melbourne Naval Centre, experiences of life in the Show Page 10, Para 25(b) change enjoying a few sherbets, good food Grounds. and good company . 'such registered or exempted and If anyone has something of tax exempted charity or charities' to -Kind regards to all, interest to contribute, be it stories or read 'such like tax exempted * Ron Christie - Hon. Secretary photographs , please take the time Association or Associat ions'. to contact Mike Lehan at the Page 10, add new Para 26. NEW SOUTH WALES Museum your interest and your Internal Disputes: memories would be greatly (a) The Management Committee appreciated . shall appoint an independent person Hello there and greetings to to arbitrate on any internal dispute. everyone. THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF (b) The arbitration process shall Our Annual General Meeting for THE FLEET AIR ARM conform in all respects to Chapter 1996 was very well attended and a 330 of 'Best Practice Guidelines for new team of committeemen was We have had a response from Charitable Organ isations'. elected to look after the affairs of the CNS regarding Navy support in our Page 10, 11, add new Para 27. Division . Several of last years efforts to have the 50th anniversary Compla ints and Grievances : committeemen were unable to Slipstream - April 1996- Page 28

(a) The Management Committee are in town for the March or just a spares or know the whereabouts of shall appoint one particular person long weekend they would be most a copy of the film I would appreciate to investigate all complaints made welcome to join us either for the a call on (06) 289 4898 during the by members of the public and March or afterwards at HARMAN. If day or (06) 291 4681 after working grievances from employees . you would like to come to the hours. (b) The investigation process barbecue, please contact our Social * Peter Schilling - Hon. Secretary shall conform in all respects to Secretary , Daphne Clarke, on 06 { Thank you, for the 'vote of Chapter 300 of 'Best Practice 286 3940 before 19 April. The cost confidence '. Guidelines for Charitable is $12.50 per person or $30 for a I can't recall seeing a film on water Organisations'. whole family . conservation relating to HMAS The Divis ion Management The ACT Division would like to Melbourne . When I was onboard, Committee hopes all our members pass on a BZ to John Arnold , the they didn't need a film to encourgae and their families are well and NSW Editor of Slipstream. It is not easy people to use shower water passes on regards and good health to put together a publication like this sparingly ; a large , 'hairy-arsed ' to other Divisions. and to mainta in such a high stoker standing near the bathroom standard takes extra dedication and Yours aye, accesswith a 'shifter ' in his hand effort. From personal experience, I * Max Altham - President was usually sufficient. know how much time and effort is The cartoon shown below, thanks required . Well done, John, and Australian Capital Territory thanks for a newsletter which we all to Gordon Walter, is the best I can read carefully to see who we know do for you. It depicts the forrard bathroom on the Sydney and The Annual General Meeting of and what is happening around the Divisions and at the Aviat ion applies equally well to the the ACT Division was held on Melbourne. Ed. ] Wednesday 21 March 1996. Geoff Museum. Ledger was re-elected as President. I have had been asked by an The remainder of the Executive ex-RAN member to try and obtain a QUEENSLAND Committee consists of Brian Treloar couple of memorabilia items for him. The first is one of the brass (Vice President), Mike Astbury In March, we held our AGM at (Treasurer ) and Peter Schilling bells that were produced to commemorate the the Eastern suburbs League's Club (Secretary) . The Committee at Coorparoo . The election for members are Daphne Clarke decommissioning of HMAS MELBOURNE and the second, a Office Bearers saw the bulk of the (Social Secretary), Maurie Tiffen , committee returned with the Phil Landon, Peter McNay and copy of a short film or video which was made in HMAS MELBOURNE exception of Len Zuch , who stood Richard Scott. down. The elected comm ittee are The Committee held its first to demonstrate shower water conservation . I am sure there are now as follows : general meeting for 1996 on 20 President: Barry Lister March. The first event for 1996 will many FAA personnel out there who Secretary: Frank 'Shorty' Nielsen be the ANZAC Day March followed remember the film. I would also like Treasurer : Ian 'Junior' by a barbecue at HMAS HARMAN. to obtain one of the brass bells Henderson If any members from other Divisions myself so if anyone has a couple of Committee Members : Alex 'Macka' McMurtrie (Mclelland ), Brian Sargeson , Des 'Ned' Kelly, and Trevor Tite. It was noted that ten members had not renewed membership for 1996 and in the Division Newsletter, I have explained as to how the $15 membership fee is disbursed i.e. $5 capitation fee to the National Body, $8 for Slipstream funding , the $2 remaining goes into our coffers. You can therefore see how important renewals are, as well as the requirement to attract new members to our ranks. For those who have been remiss , a 'jogger' will be included in the Division Newsletter. Incidentally, the Newsletter is distributed to Queensland members every two months, a copy is also sent to the National Secretary, if other Division Secretaries would like a copy, please notify Frank Nielsen, 655 Priestdale Road, Rochedale, QLD 4123. [What happened to the NAT PRO's copies? Ed.] Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 29

the wings have been welded in the spread position. 'Blue' Ditcham and Trevor Bolitho have been assisting him - they have a cut-away sectioned Double Mamba and are working on a Coffman Starter. No doubt many of us can remember the Coffmans from the Firefly and Sea Fury days - pour in the kero then whack with a hide face hammer ... .then try again! I don't know if the recollections bring tears of memory or tears of remembered frustrations . If nothing else, they were sworn at - most severely! The first Gliding Club Reunion will be held at Nowra over the Easter weekend, it was initiated at our Bundaberg Reunion and pushed along by Ken Bullock (an ex­ President of the Gliding Club). He 1996 QUEENSLAND DIVISION COMMITTEE tells me that over seventy people L-R: Alex McMurtrie - Barry Lister - Brian Sargeson - Mick Blair - will be attending . I can remember Frank Nielsen -Trevor Tite - Ian Henderson back in 1965 when Arthur Johnson, Photo courtesy Mick Blair John Crawley [STILL - not a member ! Ed] and myself, It was a great relief to all of us 'Nugget; have received over the last represented the Club at the National when the Naval Aviation Museum few weeks. Shelia Zimmer is with Championships at Waikerie in elected to take on board the her at the moment - Ian and South Australia . I spent the first production of the FAA History . I Florence Henderson have been week in the air conditioned hotel, hope that all will support the project pillars of strength for them . We all scoffing salt tablets and trying to as per the letter you will all have extend our sympathy and love to recover from heat exhaustion. Even received from the Museum. Flossie and the family. my dog had to be taken to the Darcy Doyle has agreed to the We were plE:!asedto hear that Doctor's surgery (no vet) for the proposal that the funds raised from Eric Cottrell has received his Active same complaint, he too was given the Art Union Raffle for his artist's Service Medal for the second trip on salt tablets ! After the few weeks proof of the HMS Endeavour, be the Sydney to Korea. It will be spent there, we were all converted allocated to the funding of interesting to see how the new to 'winos' - the Barossa Vall ey Slipstream which is of the utmost Federal Government treats medal Wineries were delighted for us to importance to us all. . applications. sample their wares. Anzac Day sees us marching Jock Collins reports that the In one race, I flew the 'Arrow' for well back in the Brisbane Parade. Gannet at the Caloundra Air 7.5 hours and landed in desert style The RAAF are at the front and we - Museum is now moveable and that country in the dark. I managed to are about 107 behind the HMAS Melbourne group . Our meeting place is at the corner of Elizabeth and Albert Streets at around 0930. We form up on the right hand side of Elizabeth Street. Let's hope that we don't have an Irish Pipe Band to keep up with! We have been invited to the Officer's Mess on the riverbank at the Bulimba Army Barracks - this will be great! Seeing that 'Shorty' Nielsen celebrates his 60th birthday on that date, he had better beware! Sad news - Kevin 'Nugget' Nugent, ex-CPO Armourer and ex­ Cruiser man, passed away on 27 March after a short stay in Greenslopes Hospital. Many of us attended his funeral at Mt. Gravatt, acting as bearers and forming a Guard of Honour. Flossie, his wife, is bearing up well and has passed GROUP AT QUEENSLAND DIVISION AGM DINNER her sincere thanks to all for the L-R: Noel Fischer - Mrs Shirley Neilsen & son - Barry Lister tremendous support she and Photo courtesy Mick Blair Slipstream - April 1996- Page 30 find a farmhouse and knocked on the door, wanting to phone the airfield to get the crew to pick me up. I was wearing the light green RAN flying suit - the door opened and then slammed in my face , accompanied by the direct ive to 'Piss off! It wasn't until later that I found out that there was a Prison Farm close by and the locals were not receptive to late night calls . After much walking and hitching , I was eventually retrieved. It has been agreed that our next AGM should be held at a place where we can hold a barbecue on completion of the meeting. Brisbane is not a good venue to ensure a good roll-up. Our recent dinner was excellent with fifty or so members attending. The table service, drinks and the music was very good , the Club BOB'S LAST FLIGHT really looked after us. During the recent Gliding Club Reunion at HMAS Albatross, Commodore Ernie Payne of 67 Horizon Geoff Morton, piloting the 'tug', flew Colleen Connellan over Jervis Bay Drive, Bomaderry, is keen for ex­ where she scattered the ashes of her late husband, Bob Connellan. aircrewmen to contact him at the A fitting end to a fine man. above address, or call him on (044) Photo courtesy Jim Lee 217688. He's coming to the National Reunion at the Gold Coast in 3hr wait to get towed back - blown me a call. Bob Brown (ex-WO Fire November and is looking forward to head gasket - buyer still keen - Section), now living at Ningi, near catching up with old mates. repairs done! Then, the following Bribie Island , is baby-sitting the Bob Bryce, A.O . Hill, 'Tas' weekend - buyer and family on boat for a few weeks while Errol is Hartnett and company are doing a board - head off once again for the away on a jaunt in the Philippines. wonderful job organising the shipyard - not far out - temperature Tough life! reunion. Bob hopes to have a gauge reads 'HOT' - back to Real Estate is gradually picking revised programme included with anchorage - much checking of up now that the new government is this S/iptstream. It is very important previous repairs etc. etc. Pundits on the go. Investors are coming in that those who haven't registered say, " Air lock, bleed, bleed!" Off hard and there are good deals to be yet should do so - ASAP ! Time once again and very soon - HOT, had in the Caboolture area. One moves very quickly and it will be on HOT, HOTTER - boiling water hopes that the [pain of the last three us before we know it. The tear-off hitting the deck-head. Buyer and years will be relieved. The finger slips need to be returned to Bob - family still on the go. Must be keen! nails will be healed up soon! NOW, as the Golf Club and Bowls Florence reckons it's a dead-cert for All of us in Queensland send our Club need to know the numbers to an insurance loss! Wait for the next regards to those elsewhere. finalise arrangements for the Sports issue for an update .... . Best wishes to all. Day. At present we have almost After going through the process * Barry Uster - President 400 registrations and I know that of the writing of the History of the many more have said that they are FAA, it becomes very clear to us in attending - so - DO IT NOW! Queensland (and I'm sure in other 'JOCK' COLLINS - UPDATE Rainbow Realty, telephone 075 State Divisions), of the importance 536 1833, have some unit of Slipstream to us all and its Dear Reader, continued production and I have had a fair response to my request accommodation available, walk to for members suffering heart or vascular Rainbow Bay beach and walk to representat ion of our stories and problems to contact me. So far I have 63 Twin Towns Club . Marian and I recollections of events and fun and names but only twelve letters. obtained a unit for $270 for the games in the FAA. We will be Come on, you guys! week. Do contact them if you don't making a concerted effort to assist There is a . renowned cardiologist who wish to drive . Bus transfers are in the continued funding of the will write a paper on these figures, but it is arranged to the various venues. magazine and I encourage all essential that the data is provided for him. Please, don't forget to give your age when Now for the 'stiffy of the week'. members to do the same. I had a visit from Errol Greer a the problem first presented. 'Junior' Henderson has an old bay My thanks to all who have written. cruiser for sale. Based at Cleveland few weeks ago. Errol lives at Emu LtCdr 'Slug' Whitton RAN Rtd is - a buyer comes along - out they go Park, on the coast near recovering well from his by-pass operation to steam to a shipyard for survey - Rockhampton . He has a 40' boat for which he underwent a couple of weeks wind SE at 35 knots - OOPS - sale, good for offshore fishing and ago. Welcome to the club ! engine temperature goes off the cruising . The asking price is around Regards, Frank 'Jock' Collins, clock - drop anchor - rough seas - $40,000, if you are interested give PO Box 490, BUDERIM QLD. 4556. Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 31

If you have any questions at all on this project, please do not Australian Naval Aviation Museum hesitate to contact the 'History Secretary' (Tessa) on (044) 211920 or in writin g to PO Box A 15, Naval Dear readers of Slipstream your personal stories and significant PO, NOWRA NSW 2540. The Museum is developing at a photographs . All money received is steady rate, as funding becomes being held in a separate account available. The following is a sitrep (gaining interest) and any material on our current activities . you send will be stowed away separately from Museum assets The Old Museum under my personal custodianship. ' All deposits of money and material will be acknowledged in The Old Museum has been writing ASAP, quoting the number evacuated and will be demolished in of your book. If you are unable to the near future . A new display fund your copy of the History all in "Memories of the Old Museum" has one hit, please pay by instalments. been developed in our main display In writing to the Chairman of the hangar, mainly for the benefit of our Museum Foundation to hand over ex FAA members . the carriage of this very important project, the National President of the Fleet Air Arm Association Shoalhaven City Air Terminal expressed some real concerns from Association members . These We have applied to the concerns are summarised as Author - Bob Nicholls Shoalhaven City Council for the follows : Museum to become the City Air - that we may not have Terminal as the old site is b~ing canvassed a selection of suitable Air Days taken over by the various authors for the project; ALBATROSS air sporting clubs. It is - the format of the history and yet another way of promoting whether, in the time available , we FAAA support of the Museum ourselves as we will now appear on can do justice . to more than just a Family Air Days continues to grow, all Shoalhaven advertising/tourist story of Australian Naval Aviation : with members arriv ing from far brochures etc. A small 24 hour - whether the book is an account · afield to assist in these ever waiting room is to be provided for of the Australian Fleet Air Arm or of increasingly popular events . The visitors. Australian Naval Aviation - most will 'food hall' is generating some useful remember that is exactly the reason revenue for both the Association why the Museum went through a [NSW Division] and the Museum and is a magnificent example of The History of the Fleet Air name change in 1990 - in order to fully record Australian Naval both our organisations being Arm - Book project Aviation ; mutually supportive to a common - that the history will be goal. You will have all received your dominated by aircrew. You may have read in the copy of our promotion for the Book Members can rest assured that newspape rs that hygiene is of and will be aware that the Museum all of these concerns have been/will paramount importance to stamp out is now co-ordinating this very be taken into account in the the spread of infectious diseases important project. We have received production of the book and our and we are now under very strict over 70 pre-sale orders for books progress will be promulgated guidelines when handling food. and approximately $2000 in throughout in Slipstream. Several Members who volunteer to work donations, which is a fantastic start. authors were contacted and Bob FAAA food stalls will be briefed prior Pre-sales of the books are Nicholls was selected as our to the next event on 19 May, extremely important as this is the preferred author. It will be a however , it would be of great method of funding production and balanced book of both aircrew and assistance to arrive dressed achieves another important element groundcrew and will concentrate on appropriately to meet the new - that of automatic market research the fixed wing era as the main body guidelines . The guidelines in effect ie, we will have a good idea just how with coverage of other aspects of mean that all 'food' workers must be many books to order . Please naval aviation in a reasonable readily identified , in a 'uniform' . remember, if you are local to NSW detailed prologue and epilogue. Would it therefore be appropriate to South Coast - or are attending the Our committee, Mike Lehan as suggest that FAAA members wear 1998 Golden Jubilee Reunion at Chair, John Arnold, Max Altham, an Association shirt and hat , for NOWRA, you do not need to pay Windy' Geale, Derek Whyte and the ezample, on Air Days. If this were $10 po~age and pac~ng because author, will do thejr best to ensure achieved it would have the added you can collect your copy during that we produce a 'work' that the benefit of being readily identified to your visit to the Museum. Association members will be proud the general public as members of Please help- us by ordering and of. the FAA Association · - to be paying early, and by sending us prompted for those 'warry' stories! Slipstr eam - April 1996- Page 32

The new rules for handling food wi ll be dealt with on the day.

Firefly Restoration Project

We have a team or 8 New Work Opportunities (Long Term Unemployed) personnel funded by the Department of Education and Training restoring Firefly 207 to a static display standard _in Korean War colours. A log book is being maintained of restoration progress to record those parts of the aircraft that have not been assessed as airworthy. This is to ensure that 'down the track' when we have the cash to prepare this aircraft for flight we do not re invent the wheel. The photograph tells all. British Aerospace will professionally respray the aircraft when it is prepared, in October/November of this year. Don Parkinson has been employed and funded under this scheme to supervise and manage this project, which he reports, is Don Parkinson, front left, with his team of trainees. progressing well. Our Historic The project has been made possible by support from the Department of Flight representative , Terry Employment Education and Training for the Australia Remembers programme. Hetherington , is keeping a very Photo courtesy ANAM close eye on the progress in view of future airworthy considerations .

Stores/Aircraft Spares

Les Matterson and Peter Penny's team of FAAA workers transferred the mountain of spares from 'G' Hangar to the Museum over a weekend' working bee' during April. These aircraft spares were those remaining after our initial mammoth removal effort last year. All the initial stores have now been catalogued, recorded and stowed away and we are now tackling the computer database aspect. This is an enormous task that the NSW FAAA Branch have dedicated themse lves to and I pass on the thanks of the Chairman and the Board of Directors of the Museum Foundation for a continuing job well done. Without the support of the FAAA this task could not have been tackled. Thank you, Les and Peter in particular, for your perseverance. Mike Lehan - Museum Director Are YOU a member of The Australian Naval Aviation MUSEUM'S 'MOUNTAIN' MOVERS Museum Foundation? Some of the volunteers who are moving and cataloguing spares for the ANAM. For more details write to : PO Box Back Row L-R: Bob Pierson - Bill Heard - Peter Penny - Frank McPherson - Roy Pickering Al 5, Naval PO, NOWRA, NSW 2540 Front Row: L-R: Bill Kerr and Jim 'The Judge' Napier (Because he's always sitting on a case) Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 33

to Mt. Isa by turkeys during these stops. train and on At Laramah I was able to sling A TIFFYY'SODYSSEY arrival report to my hammock across a not very the Army for by C.C.Price clean cattle truck and was able to transit by complete my journey to Darwin in December 1995 military convoy comparative comfort , although to Laramah, covered in grit and coal dust. Being the recollections of a and to complete the journey to I reported at Melville in August Royal Australian Naval Artificer Darwin by train. 1944 to find the town had been 1941 -1961 Towards evening on the leg of extensive ly bombed during my PART TWO the train journey from Townsville to absence. Later, close examination Mt. Isa, on a lonely stretch of track, .of the homes in Darwin revealed On my arrival at HMAS Penguin the train slowed to a stop, the that in addition to bomb damage, I was ordered to report to the Royal engine had broken down. vandals and thieves had been at Examination revealed a clevis-pin to A,.ustralianNaval Torpedo Factory at work. All the plumbing fittings had Neutral Bay to undergo 8 weeks be missing from the valve gear. It been removed from most homes had obviously fallen off some training on Torpedo and Paravane and sent south. distance back . Passengers were maintenance. I pleaded it was all a On my arrival I began what was requested to search along the big mistake , for torpedoes were known as the 'mad mile. Beginning serviced by Electrical Artificers . I permanent way, as we would be at the office of the Master-at-Arms , was an Engine Room Artificer and unable to proceed until it was re­ where I was given a piece of paper my job was in the engine room. My fitted. About 112 mile(314km) down containing a list of all departments the track it was found , then demarcation problem was soon and told to report to each one, have replaced, and by using a bent piece resolved artd I found myself at the the paper stamped and return with it factory at Neutral Bay! of fencing wire for a split pin we to the 'Jaunties' office . I found were ready to proceed . After a I had managed to move my Melville's 'mad mile' took me around couple of blasts on the whistle the family from Brisbane down to Manly an hour and on completion I knew passengers clambered aboard and and was thus able to commute daily my way around the town, which the we continued on our journey to Mt. between our flat at Manly and the RAN now controlled , and in which Isa. RANTF. To add further to my the offices of the departments were During the trip I shared the train confusion, I soon realised it was not located. to be a formal course when I was compartment with civilians , one was I was. to be accommodated in taken down to the factory assembly · a good looking barmaid employed Tombo l Flats in Mitchell , sharing a floor and placed in charge of two at one of Mt. Isa's hotels . She ground floor fiat with four or five NCO's of the Dutch (NEI) Navy. surprised and amused me when CPO's from Melville . This two­ They were crew members of either after leaving her seat for a few storied block comprised eight or so the K9 or the K12 submarines then minutes, she returned , lifted the flats and was used as a dormitory lying alongside the wharf at the window and dropped it down on her by the CPO's of Melville. torpedo factory. wet scanties, they were dry in a few The bui lding had previously minutes. I was given excellent instruction been occupied by the submariners in the servicing of British Mk4, Mk8, On reporting to the Army , all of the USN who had sunk a large Mk9 one and two star, and an 18 service personnel heading north concrete air-raid shelter in the inch torpedo the Mark of which I were given a 'short arm' inspection; backyard ; and which consisted of a have forgotten, and the servicing of after which I found myself victualled box about 20 ft (6 m) by 10 ft (3 m) paravanes for merchant ships. My in the Sergeants mess. with steps at one end and walls instructors were excellent, practical Next morning I loaded my kit on approx. 4 ins (100 mm) thick. The tradesmen, their knowledge of to a very large Army truck and roof was formed by laying water British torpedoes surprised me. I clambered aboard. I was told that pipes 3 in (75 mm) in diameter at 18 formed the impression that the 18 these trucks had been destined for in (450 mm) intervals, over the top inch (460 mm) aerial torpedo was Russia, but had been diverted to of which were placed sandbags. I being manufactured at the factory Australia and now formed part of a thought that it would be proof and assembled on the floor where I huge truck convoy proceeding due against anything but a direct hit. received my instruction . north up the Stuart Highway. On one wall a highly skilled The remainder of the The average speed of the artist had painted in colour a establishment was restricted to me. · convoy was about 20 mph(32 kph), beautiful reclining nude young It seemed to me that the torpedo we travelled only in daylight hours woman . This air-raid shelter was to fitter assemblers had a cosy stopping each night at army staging be the scene of the suicide of one of arrangement as they all had female camps . my flat mates. I was the last person Fitters Mates. Enough said! I often wonder these days why he spoke to. Had I only known. During this period, my Service these convoys were not attacked by On reporting to the Torpedo Certificate states that I was the Japanese? I never did ascertain Workshops I was challenged by an employed on Depot duties at if any of those trucks carried armed sentry who demanded a pass Penguin . On completion of my anything for defence, except the odd before admitting me. On gaining torpedo training I was drafted to the rifle. entry I found the Commanding RAN Torpedo Workshops at Melville We stopped every hour or so, lit Officer to be a Lt. RANR and my in Darwin. My travel warrant stated a fire and brewed-up; some of the immediate superior a Chief that I was to proceed from Sydney lads were able to shoot scrub Electrical Artificer . The staff Slipstream - April 1996- Page 34 included Electrical , Engine Room sought perfection. early school years. Artificers and Seaman Torpedo­ We did a brisk business in Mk4 For the flight home I was men. and Mk8 submarine 'fish'. Our permitted a suitcase weighing 36 The complex consisted of two remaining stocks were given routine lb(16 kg), mine was underweight, brick buildings, both were located at maintenance according to the BR's. the Duty Naval Patrolman in the the corners of Smith Street and We issued only a few paravanes to Master at Arms Office insisted I Harry Chan Avenue , directly Merchant ships. bring the weigh up to the 36 lb. with opposite each other. Our Torpedo It was of interest to me to learn a chimney brick . Don't laugh, he storage was in a building now called that the Argentinean Cruise r was typica l of the branch , all Brown's Mart and our old workshop General Belgrano was sunk by a morons ! is now a ruin, partially flattened by Mk8 torpedo fired from the Atomic On reaching the airfield Cyclone Tracey. A correctly dressed powered submarine Conqueror , boarded a RAF Transport sentry maintained round-the-clock during the Falklands war. Command Dakota. Before leaving, patrol at the front entrance to the Life in Darwin at this time was the pilot requested us to steady the workshop but the rear of the storage very monotonous, the food terrible, cargo at take-off as nothing was building invited a sabotage attempt. live entertainment a rarity and lashed down. Take-off was at 0600 An air comp ressor with an women in the town non-existent. and we flew until late afternoon and output of 2000 psi had been The Mess was at least half a finally arrived at Parafield just near installed in a separate annex mile from the workshop , most of the Adelaide. adjacent to the south wall of the time we ate bully-beef, beans and I arrived in Ballarat by train the workshop . Both buildings were dried egg-powder, the food was the next day and was thus able to bid outfitted with torpedo handling worst I had in my period in the my father farewell. He died in a gantries and work-benches . Test service. We often missed lunch to matter of hours. On my return to equipment and associated plumbing go down to the wharf to swim , diving Darwin I travelled via Adelaide , had not been set up, this work was from the wharf at low tide was quite Moree and again as the guest of the to be carried out by the workshop a thrill. We kept this up until one day Army similar to the first trip . staff. I have always retained a great we saw a very large crocodile go I resumed duties in the Torpedo admiration for the skill displayed by drifting past. Workshops until the 28th Sep 1945 our young ERA Coppersmith , I We soon found ways of when I was drafted to HMAS cannot remember any of his brazed occupying our lunch breaks by Lonsdale at Port Melbourne. With joints failing under these very high making 'rabbits' . In the workshop WW2 over, the Navy had obviously pressures. was a 4 1/2 inch Southbend lathe intended to discharge me at Much to our surprise, a few days which was put to good use Lonsdale as my Official No. was PM before we became operational , we producing the handles for our top 3279. were joined by our two Dutch product , the Torpedo workshops This was the time for me to Instructors who remained with us 'copper kettle', internally tinned, with make decisions relative to my future until we got the show on the road. a laminated handle highly polished, as I was now a married man with a The torpedoes held in stock they were a first rate job . Mine wife and child to support . The Navy required only the minimum of lasted a good thirty years. provided security , at least in the servicing before they were issued. On Sundays we drew rations short term, it took me six months to Very soon "T" class Royal Navy from Melville and, using the make the choice to remain in the submarines began arriving at workshops 3 ton International truck service. frequent intervals and we were kept for transport, we would set off for Life in the Navy is not conducive very busy. Torpedoes were Berry Springs or Manton Dam to go to happy marriages . Long absences unloaded from submarines at the swimming and have a picnic. from home, crazy political decisions wharf onto cradles and loaded on a During my stint in Darwin I was which affect the futures of serving 3 ton truck for transfer to the given permission to make one personnel produced the inevitable workshop. phone call to my next-of-kin, during result, but at a later date. They often came with the war­ the night. When my turn came My service documents are heads still fitted, but with the 'pistols' around, I waited until 0130, the call endorsed 'Transferred to Permanent removed, they were often covered in being made from an underground Naval Forces (seagoing) vide CST. mud. On removal of the war-heads concrete communications bunker in letter No.2018 dated 28th Feb they were dispatched to the close proximity to the new Darwin 1946'. My new official number was magazine. Hotel. A31828 . We were indeed fortunate in After I had been in Darwin for Life in Darwin had been tough, having a very knowledgeable and eleven months a signal was the isolation of the place was hard experienced Chief Electrical Artificer received informing me that my to accept. At least this time I was as foreman . The workshop was father was terminally ill with cancer. flown to Brisbane on a commercial provided with an excellent set of I applied for and was granted aircraft , but I hadn't forgotten our overhaul manuals, or as the Navy compassionate leave. To obtain the escape on the Katoomba in 1942 on called them, 'Books of Reference'. I leave it was necessary to apply to a badly damaged ship, unescorted, found the work demanding, the Duty Chaplain, Father with a 15 degree list and a speed of adapting to the close engineering McMahon , who died many years four knots. tolerances required in torpedo later in Ballarat which was my home I was to spend eleven days at maintenance. It was in Darwin that I town . I was later to learn that we HMAS Lonsdale reassembling the deleted the expression, 'she'll be had grown up in the same street and engine of an old tug at Williamstown right', from my vocabulary and had been playmates during our dockyard, commuting daily in the Slipstream - January 1996 - Page 35

Navy work boat. I was able to get it was a triple expansion engine with The stokehold crew appeared to my morning and afternoon 'cuppa' the auxiliaries operated by a beam be doing their best. It was riot until from the Seamans Mission in actuated by the engine; she had a after the ship had paid-off and the Nelson Place. As my mother lived in Worthington boiler feed pump, a boiler was opened up for Richmond, accommodation was no compound 11 Ov ungoverned examination by the insurance problem. electrical generator which, due to surveyor , that I found the tubes to My next draft was to an ex-North low steam pressure, was never be heavily coated with salt. It had Coast Steam Navigation vessel the capable of delivering 110v. The been operated for a long period Mine Tender and armament stores Captain often complained about the using salt water . carrier HMAS Uralba . My first malfunctioning depth sounder as a I was overcome with feelings of reaction to seeing her berthed at the result of this deficiency. remorse and compassion for the north end of Station Pier at Port She had one cargo hold which Stoker Petty Officer and his stokers Melbourne was that the only thing was serviced by a very old, noisy who had put so much effort into Naval about her was the grey paint but reliable winch, it too had been producing steam pressure. and the White Ensign. resurrected from a junk yard. Her She had an old fashioned 1 When I reported at the gangway anchor windlass did its job without horseshoe type thrust assembly I was told that she didn't carry an any trouble . which needed a lot of tender loving Engineer Officer and that as I was I was given the Chief Engineers care to prevent it over heating, the Senior Artificer on board, I cabin , the crew lived in the however, my biggest problem was would be directly responsible to the forecastle. She was full of rats when that the engine would not always go Captain for the efficient running of I joined her, one of the seamen told astern unless the HP crank was all machinery on the ship. me he had woken up the previous positioned at the right degree. It was The Captain was an RANR night to feel a rat on his pillow. my opinion that No.1 bearing Lieutenant \ and wore interlaced I often objected to the Stoker journal section of the crankshaft had rings. He always wore a roll neck Petty Officer about the low steam been replaced and the astern jumper under his jacket. I was to pressure , even the Captain in eccentric incorrectly positioned in gain great admiration for his ability desperation on one occasion relation to the piston . as a seaman and that he was able decided to go down into the With all her faults , at sea, this to run a happy ship . She was stokehold and demonstrate how it ship with her creaking timbers and commissioned on the 23rd Nov should be done. He grabbed a reciprocating engine, sang a very 1942 and was to pay-off on the 20th 'slice', which a few seconds before harmonious song. It sounded like Aug 1946. had been red hot, burning his 'Going to. Sydney'. She had been built by E. Wright · hands, he only did it once. To be continued ...... of Toncurry NSW, her tonnage was 603 tons gross, her beam was 37 ft. (17.5 m), with a length of 154.5 ft. ( 73 m). Her speed at commissioning was given as 8 knots, but she couldn't attain this speed during my time on her, even going down hill with a tail wind? Her timbers appeared to have been hewn with an adze, she had a large deep wooden keel with two sister keelsons on each side of the main keel. She had no bulkheads. It had been designed to slide over the sand bars at river mouths on the northern rivers of NSW loaded with mill logs. When the hull was finished, propulsion machinery was unavailable, however, an old Scotch type marine boiler, coal fired, three furnace, 75 years old was fitted . I. found documentation relative to the age of the boiler on board. God knows in what junk yard they found it. The engine had a long life previously fitted to a vehicular ferry which had been scrapped when the Sydney Harbour Bridge was HMAS MELBOURNE - 1978 opened. The controls of the engine The last Tracker of the deployment leaves the ship. were at the level of the cylinder It's anyone's guess as to whether Flight Deck Captain, Bob Perkins, is heads, with a scuttle port and assisting the take-off by 'putting the boot in', or doing a dance of ecstasy. starboard for observation purposes, Photo by Mal Wilson Slipstream - April 1996- Page 36

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... and from Queensland Some of the Museum Stores Party and their wives, pictured after a Ernie Maud hitting the straps! 'thank-you' luncheon at the ANAM Function Centre .