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Date: 26 May 2008
Name: Clive "Bloomers" Bloomfield
Email Address:
I recently received a Defence Media message relating to the "FAA Museum Open Day," the event part of Diamond Jubilee celebrations for the Fleet Air Arm and its home, the Royal Australian Navy establishment HMAS Albatross. This started me looking at all of the links at the Museum website and of course the viewing of the FAAAA site.
The whole activity brought back many memories associated with my time at Nowra, joining in early 1972 following transfer from the RN FAA. As many would know I was a "Greenie" and served VC 724, VF 805, VC 851 and VS 816 and a bit of ASU servicing and mod work (do not mix me up with my twin brother Keith).
I was saddened to see so many of our comrades hit by the big "C" in many forms. It really brings home the dedication and service that we all provided to Defence over many years. I transferred to the RAAF in 1984, discharged in 1994 and took up life as a Defence public servant here at Amberley in QLD. I would love to hear from anyone of my era. Regards, Clive "Bloomers" Bloomfield (RN,RAN, RAAF, DMO, maybe retired one day).
Date: 26 May 2008
Name: Tony Cuming
Email Address:
I was a greenie C rate serving in HMAS Melbourne and was part of the 2000 odd troopers who gave up Xmas to help clean up Darwin after Cyclone Tracy. I recall the choppers taking us out in the morning and returning us to the carrier later on in the day.
On one return trip from Nightcliffe there were 2 birdies in the doorway. They were making disparaging comments about the sound of the plane and how it was some time overdue for a service...I figured that it was to put the wind up the non-birdies on the flight. It was as we neared the carrier that I too heard the engine missing and there was a general consensus between the two birdies that we may not make the distance. We were even given helpful although brief instructions for for a landing in the sea.
As we got in a position over the flight deck, the engine closed down and we hit the deck pretty hard. I feel the date would have been the 4th of January, as I seem to recall that Rick McCosker was out for 80 in the test match.
No one was really injured and I think the chopper was fixed and flew again. I was flown south to Richmond on a Hercules just after this event. I was wondering if any of your members recall this incident and can fill in a few questions for me. Regards, Tony Cuming, R110517.
Date: 15 May 2008
Name: Denis Mulvihill
Email Address:
805 SQN Decommissioning Port: A port decanter (with 2 port glasses) will be available to commemorate the decommissioning of 805 Squadron. The cost is $53 per set, with delivery expected by 16 June 2008. Orders can be placed by emailing or phone on (02) 4424 3805 - Denis Mulvihill.
Date: 14 May 2008
Name: Dave Sutherland
Email Address:
I am seeking the young fellas from the 10th JRTE HMAS Leeuwin intake January 1965, with the view to compiling a contact list, and having an informal get-together in Sydney later this year (2008). Point of contact - Dave Sutherland (R94737/Howden 2), email as above. Thanks. Dave Sutherland, ex-CPOSY 1965-1987.
Date: 17 April 2008
Name: David Bowyer
Email Address:
I am seeking information from anyone who served with Lt.Cdr.(P) Richard Glyn "Tex" Owen RN, CO of 808 Squadron RAN who was killed on 16/09/54 when his Sea Fury crashed at Nowra. Richard, on exchange from the RN, also served with 850 Squadron on HMAS Sydney off Korea. I attended Dolgelley Grammar School in North Wales at the same time as him during WW2. Please email or ring me on Sydney (02) 9531 8736 - David Bowyer.
Date: 10 April 2008
Name: Robert Ray
Email Address:
Vale Lieutenant GLEX P Errol Banks RAN. Errol passed away Saturday, 5 April, at Lulworth House, Sydney. Should anyone require further information, contact Bob Ray on (02) 6297 5601 or the above email address - Robert G. Ray.
Date: 4 April 2008
Name: Loraine Wood
Email Address:
I am searching for Fred Lane who joined the Fleet Air Arm in the 40s, perhaps 1947-48. He lived in Melbourne. I wish to contact him re a reunion of old Ashburton friends. Please let me know if you know his contact details, we would love to catch up again - Loraine Wood.
Date: 3 April 2008
Name: Rob Bolton
Email Address:
I am searching for contact details for old mates who were on 723 Squadron during 1969-70. The names are Steve Moreton ex WL, Dave Gittins NAMAE. Steve went to HFVN and we lost contact, Dave paid off, possibly WA bound. Regards, Robin Bolton (Bob Bolton).
Date: 19 March 2008
Name: Michele MacMillan
Email Address:
I am looking for any information on Neil Christopher MacMillan and his sister Fiona Elizabeth, born in the 1950s perhaps in NSW, otherwise Victoria.
Neil's father, Neil Douglas MacMillan was a Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilot whose helicopter hit power lines and went down in the Werribee River, Melton South, in 1960. The children's mother was Pauline.
Neil Douglas MacMillan was my father's half brother and his children are my cousins. My father and I never met Neil Douglas MacMillan but would like to contact his children. My father is 89 - best regards, Michele MacMillan.
Date: 13 March 2008
Name: Barry Thatcher
Email Address:
Trying to contact Dave Beare of Moran Division 1963, paid off November 1983 as COP ATA. Any help would be appreciated - thanks, Barry Thatcher.
Date: 11 March 2008
Name: Owen Nicholls
Email Address:
Learned last night that Hugh Molyneux passed away last Wednesday. The funeral will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, 11 March, at the HMAS Albatross chapel at 11am followed by a service at Worrigee Crematorium at 12.30pm - Owen Nicholls.
Date: 7 March 2008
Name: David Farthing
Email Address:
I very much regret to report that Colonel Walter D. Alexander passed away today at his home in Gainesville, Georgia, after a short illness. The then Major Alexander, US Army, was the Commanding Officer of the 135th Assault Helicopter Company ("The EMUs") in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971 and this was the company which incorporated the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam. Walter Alexander was a wonderful CO and his passing will be mourned by all who knew him.
He will be buried with full military honours at the Georgia State Military Cemetery on Monday. The RAN Helicopter Flight will be represented by Commander Dick Marum, now resident in the USA, and Walter's widow has agreed that a tribute from the Australians who served under his command will be read at the funeral service - David Farthing
Date: 20 February 2008
Name: Tas Browning
Email Address:
My last posting was to HMAS Huon (Hobart) in 1967, and the Captain was Ian Hutchinson Cmdr. He was a pilot and served in the Battle of Britain. To date I have been unable to find any info on him at all and I wonder would any good person be able to help me out please. Also I am seeking a copy of a document of Rules Of Engagement for the Indonesian Confrontation for Australian naval ships which took part in it. Can anyone help out please? Kind regards - Tas Browning
Date: 20 February 2008
Name: Les 'Bull' Lever
Email Address:
Trying to catch up with old Waller Division of September '66 Warren 'Blue' Knighton - any information would be greatly appreciated. Les 'Bull' Lever, ex-LEMWR, (08) 9797 1424,
Australind WA 6233.
Date: 4 February 2008
Name: CPO Jim Hill
Email Address:
I am trying to contact or find the addresses of as many past commanding officers (COs) of HMAS Albatross as possible - this is to do with the 60th anniversary celebrations this year at Albatross, to invite them to an official function.
Due to the passage of time, some of course have past away but some others I cannot locate. I do have 10 of the 33.
Would your members please pass to me details of any past COs so than I can add them to the list? I need these addresses so I can post them an invitation. I can be contacted on the above email address or by writing to CPO Jim Hill, 60th Anniversary Project, BASC Building, HMAS Albatross. - thanks, CPO Jim Hill.
Date: 30 January 2008
Name: Neil Macmillan
Email Address:
I am trying to locate the widow of Lt(E) W. A. Caws who was AEO of 817 Squadron during 1955/56 and who was drowned while on holiday on the Hawksbury. The reason for this search is that my wife and I regarded Bill as a personal friend and as no plaque in his name has been ordered for the Wall of Service at Nowra, I am trying to remedy that. Can anyone out there assist with contact details for Bill's widow? Regards, Neil Macmillan ex-CAA(A/E).
Date: 22 January 2008
Name: LEUT Alex Binns
Email Address:
Throughout the history of the Fleet Air Arm, the various aircraft that have been operated have been given nicknames based upon their character, susceptibility to malfunction, events they have been involved in, ships they have been operated from and personnel they have been operated by.
"Christine", "Aces High", "The Hog", "The Rattler", "Desmond" and "Wilson" are just a few of the names that aircraft have worn over the years, an example of the pride and character of the personnel who both maintained and operated them.
It is important that these nicknames shouldn't be lost due to the passage of time. To preserve this unique history, it is proposed to formally record the names that the aircraft of the FAA have famously (or infamously) worn over the last 60 years. The aim is to publish them in book form, a permanent record of the special bond between the man and machine that these names represent.
If you know any of the nicknames aircraft have worn over the years your assistance in recording them would be appreciated. Submissions should including the following information where possible:
Aircraft type, aircraft tail number, aircraft nickname, description of event/s that lead to the nickname, rough dates during which the nickname was held (where possible) if name was not permanent, any related photographs of the aircraft, flight crew or maintainers (especially ones showing any cartoons or identifying marks relating to the nickname - this includes mascots, flight patches or aircraft paint designs).
For more information or to forward any submissions, contact LEUT Alex Binns, Fleet Aviation Engineering Unit, Aviation Force Element Group, HMAS Albatross, Nowra Hill NSW 2540, email (see above), phone (02) 4424 1762 or fax (02) 4424 2313.
Date: 16 January 2008
Name: LCDR Gordon A. Bonnel USN (ret)
Email Address:
All former S2 Tracker pilots: RAFS (Real Aviators Flew Stoofs), a fraternal organisation of former and current Stoof pilots, is holding its first international RAFS rendezvous in Reno, Nevada, USA, on 1-5 October 2008.
We have over 2,500 members, mostly in Canada and USA, and are looking for S2 pilots from Australia. Check our website at www.r-a-f-s.org/ for more info and rendezvous details - Gordon.
Date: 14 January 2008
Name: Julie Coker-Godson
Email Address:
Message for Phil McGowan: Phil, thank you for your phone call today. I have written to my brother Geoff and passed on your telephone number. In the meantime I noticed my old message had the old email address on it. I no longer use HotMail and my email contact address is as above. Geoffrey's email address is - with kind regards, Julie Coker-Godson.
Date: 12 January 2008
Name: Ross Hardy
Email Address:
Wings Magazine, vol 1 # 10 1943 featuring fleet air arm, item number 290196696783. Some of your members may be interested in this - I am in the Vendetta Association, was on the Melbourne for a short while - whole time alongside before I paid off. Regards, Ross R64162 - Ross Hardy, 19 Arthur St, Belmont Sth NSW 2280.
Date: 22 December 2007
Name: Geoff Litchfield
Email Address:
Wishing all members of the Fleet Air Arm Association of Australia a particularly joyful festive season, and the very best of wishes for a safe, healthy and successful 2008 - Geoff Litchfield.
Date: 5 December 2007
Name: Joe Tully
Email Address:
My name is Joe Tully, ex-CPOATA. I joined in May 1966 and paid off in September 1986. Spent most of my time on S2Es on 851 and 816 Squadrons as well as time on C47 and Wessex aircraft.
I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2003 and I am currently in some degree of remission. I am very interested in identifying any other personnel from the same period who may have contracted leukaemia - cheers, Joseph Tully.
Date: 5 December 2007
Name: Roger Leupold
Email Address:
I would like to thank the many guys who have to date supplied information and contacted me re my research and memory of your/my good friend, Tony Casadio. Best regards, Roger Leupold. (For more information, see earlier message).
Date: 17 October 2007
Name: Ian Wakeling
Email Address:
I would love to attend your reunion, but I will not be able to make it. I am trying to locate ex-serving colleagues from NSC Zetland, Randwick, Albatross and Garden Island.
My Name is Ian Wakeling, one of the drivers from NSC Zetland Sydney, which is now closed.
If anybody wishes to contact me, e-mail the above address, fax (07) 4124 1961, telephone (07) 4124 1961 or write to me at 132 Torquary Road, Scarness, Hervey Bay, Queensland - Ian Wakeling.
Date: 26 September 2007
Name: Trevor Sargent
Email Address:
To assist in a disability claim, I am seeking naval personnel serving on HMAS Melbourne docked in Sydney in 1967 prior to departure for the USA to collect Skyhawk aircraft. The ranks shown are those at the time in 1967:
Chief Petty Officer Owen, Petty Officer Myers, Petty Officer Cochrane
Seaman T. D. Hall, R 95425, formerly from Forbes or Cooma, NSW
Seaman/Topman J. Lawley, R 95427, formerly from Elizabeth SA
Please contact Trevor Sargent, Pension Officer, R & SL Busselton WA, (08) 9755 8991, 0400 803 554, email . Thanks - Sarge.
Date: 21 September 2007
Name: Peter Welsh
Email Address:
It is with regret that I advise the sudden passing of ex-POAMAE Michael Blenkinsop. Funeral details are not known at this time. - Peter Welsh, FAAAA Vice President.
Date: 23 August 2007
Name: Trevor Watson
Email Address:
We are trying to track down POAAH R. F. Withers Divisional Staff Marks Division 1970 and former JRs for a reunion.
We are seeking former 30th intake Junior Recruits (Marks and Morrow Divisions) who joined the RAN in January 1970 at HMAS Leeuwin, along with our staff.
On the 5, 6, 7th of October 2007, we will be holding our first reunion in Canberra and we want all our mates and staff members to join us.
Contact Garry Cahill at or (07) 4788 9671 or 0439 630 351. For details of the reunion, see www.jrte30.hotrodhandbooks.com.au/. Best Regards - Trevor Watson.
Date: 20 August 2007
Name: Owen Nicholls
Email Address:
A quick email to let you know of the recent passing of former RAN pilot Peter Cox. Peter died on Friday, 17 August, after a period of illness.
Following graduation from pilots course (mid-1960s), Peter flew Vampires, Sea Venoms and Skyhawks from Albatross and Skyhawks from Melbourne. Whilst still serving in the RAN, he was seconded to Jervis Bay Missile Range where he was a controller (pilot) on Jindiviks (jet powered target drone).
He left the RAN to continue flying Jindiviks until they were retired from Australian service in 1998. He and his wife Sue then moved to Wales where Peter continued flying Jindiviks for the UK Ministry of Defence.
They returned to Australia and resumed farming on their property at Tomerong.
The funeral will be held on Wednesday, 22 August, at 1330 at the Baptist Church, Wool Road, St Georges Basin - Owen Nicholls, CMDR, RANR.
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