 | Fleet Air Arm |
| Fleet Air Arm |
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Date: 9 August 2007
Name: George Stevens
Email Address:
I am researching material for an article to be published in the Journal of Australian Naval History.
This article will record details of the radar equipment fitted to RAN aircraft during the years prior to 1982. This date is purely arbitrary as being 25 years ago, and therefore historical.
As an ex-Birdie radio electrician, I have good first hand knowledge of Firefly 5 & 6, Sea Venom and Gannet, but I can always learn more. Having quit the service in 1961, my knowledge of the subsequent aircraft (Grumman Tracker for example) and their radar installations is literally zero.
I would therefore really appreciate hearing from anyone - technician and air crew - of anecdotes, old course notes, Air Publications, photographs, letters home, glossy brochures etc that will help me piece together a story over the years from 1948 to 1982.
I can be contacted at this email address, or by phone (02) 9456 4007 or by mail PO Box 18, Berowra Heights NSW 2082. Thank you - George Stevens
Date: 28 July 2007
Name: John Kelson
Email Address:
Am endeavouring to contact Brian Simpson (Qld) who came knocking on my door in June 2007 -
John Kelson (Skinhead).
Date: 1 June 2007
Name: Tas Browning
Email Address:
I'm looking for an ex-handler, Mal Fagg; served with him in Melbourne and Harman. Any help would be appreciated. Kind regards -
Tas Browning.
Date: 26 May 2007
Name: Errol Tomkins
Email Address:
I am looking for any ex-11th intake JRTE Morris Division 1965 for a reunion in Canberra 2010 ... especially Dennis Donnan who was an armourer. Regards to all aged and weary birdies, Errol Tomkins , 0407 067 399.
Date: 18 May 2007
Name: Tas Browning
Email Address:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who attended the Handlers Reunion here in Devonport - very special indeed. We had some 30 handlers make it, the weather was beaut and everyone enjoyed their stay. No doubt there will be some who will regret having not made it, but that's life. My best wishes to all. Kind regards - Tas & Mary.
Date: 9 May 2007
Name: Melissa Jacobs
Email Address:
I am trying to locate my grandfather, or at least find info about him. His name is William J. Gough, year of birth 1923, served in RAN 1951-1954. Served on Cerberus, Anzac, Karangi(?), Vengeance and Penguin. He was also known as "Taffy" (as I am sure many many others were). I would appreciate any help that you can give. Thank you and regards - Melissa Jacobs (02) 6651 4767.
Date: 2 May 2007
Name: Vern Pasfield
Email Address:
My name is Vern Pasfield and I am an ex-naval airman aircraft handler. I have been diagnosed with asbestosis and am conducting a compensation suit through Turner Freeman Lawyers. I am seeking photographs of aircraft handlers wearing the Feanought fire suit and asbestos helmet. If by chance there are any in your possession and you would be so kind to forward same to me at I would appreciate it very much. Regards - Vern Pasfield R59930.
Date: 1 May 2007
Name: Roger Leupold
Email Address:
I would like to contact anyone who knew LEUT Anthony (Tony) Casadio of the 135th Assault Helicopter Company, 1968. Tony was a close friend of mine. Regards - Roger Leupold.
Date: 1 May 2007
Name: Keith Taylor
Email Address:
David Brown, son of Chief Petty Officer Clifford John Brown A39712 (Aircraft Inspector), is trying to gain information and whereabouts of Thomas (Tom) Allsop R44386 (Aircraft Engineer), who would have joined early 1950s and discharged together with Cliff Brown late 50s/60s. Allsop would be in his 80s now. Originally from Queensland, he is believed to have returned there after discharge. Both, after entry at Cerberus and time at Lonsdale and in UK, served time on/at Condor, Heron, Peregrine and Drake and then served on Vengeance, Albatross and Melbourne (Brown at 723, Allsop at 823/817 squadrons). If anybody can assist with any information on Tom Allsop, please contact me at . Many thanks - Keith Taylor, Hon Sec, WA Division.
Date: 26 April 2007
Name: Chris 'Chip' Mundt
Email Address:
My name is Chris Mundt and I joined at Leeuwin in late '69, serving afterwards on the Melbourne and at Albatross on 724, 723 and 817 Squadrons. Just wondering if there are any of my era around, especially SAR Divers. I also have a message posted on the Gunplot internet site - regards, Chris 'Chip' Mundt.
Date: 20 April 2007
Name: Keith Taylor
Email Address:
Mr David Hunt, ex-Australian Army, is seeking information and whereabouts of a Dougall Campbell (approx age now 70+), presumed to be a Venom pilot mid- to late-1950s, but he could also have been a rating within the Fleet Air Arm. Please contact me direct at . Many thanks - Keith Taylor, Hon Sec, WA Division.
Date: 9 March 2007
Name: Andrew Carlile
Email Address:
I am looking to compile as much information as possible on the Navy's Auster Autocars. There seems very little information around (I believe that much of the 'fleet' data was lost in the sixties). I'd welcome any information and pics from anyone who flew or worked on them. All the best - Andrew (J-5 Restorer)
12 Lawson Ave, Frankston South VIC 3199
Tel: (03) 9525 6011 (bh); (03) 9781 4153 (ah).
Date: 6 March 2007
Name: Mark (Tyres) Dunlop
Email Address:
I was browsing your site and came across a lot of info re passing of Russell Laycock, and seeing emails from old mates from my Navy days - Joe Kaposi and Neil Lesmond.
I was a Handler/AVN joining at Leeuwin in 1971 and leaving in 1982 to give Civvy Street a go. Living on Kangaroo Island with a really laid back lifestyle, there are a couple of ex-birdies here too. Murray Sunberg ex-LSATA, and Patrick Kildea ex-MET - always we see each other and talk about the Ol' Days. I caught up with Darryl Mansell ex-LS musician just the other week.
All of us plodding along very well; must be the fish/crays and ab's that make up the basic diet.
Some time ago I was on the committee of the South Australia division of the FAAAA, and get together for Anzac Day when I can. But living here on KI may be remote and living 25 years behind Adelaide, but we do have a great day down here on the day.
Here is my e-mail for contact if my name rings any bells: .
Good to catch up, see ya later Troops - Mark (Tyres) Dunlop
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