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Date: 27 November 2011
Name: Norm Cummings
Email Address:
Hi, Norm Cummings here, ex-HMAS Melbourne 1961. Anyone I know out there (816 squadron)? Norm Cummings, 55764.
Date: 17 November 2011
Name: Tim Barfield
Email Address:
My father, (then) Lieutenant Charlie H. Barfield, served aboard HMAS Sydney during the Korean War. I am trying to find any information concerning his service aboard the Sydney. I have several old photos of the helicopters and crew from that time. If these would be useful to you, I will gladly send them to you. Thank you, Tim Barfield.
Date: 14 August 2011
Name: Tas Browning
Email Address:
As I continue my research of HMAS Melbourne, what has come forward is that during those times midshipmen were embarked in Melbourne for training they were required to keep a journal of the day's events and anything of interest around their duties, these being signed off by their divisional officer periodically. What these journals do reveal is information that often backs up the detail in both the ship's log and the Report of Proceedings.
If any serving or retired officer has retained their journal, could they please make contact with me as I would like a copy of relevant details for my research. With thanks, kind regards,
Tas Browning, , 0417 124 655,
(03) 6424 6314.
Date: 23 July 2011
Name: Colin Bott
Email Address:
It is with great sadness that I have to advise all Royal Australian Naval and FAAA members of the death of Lee Schleusener. Lee joined the Navy in 1974 as a Junior Recruit and was a member of the Marks/Morrow 46th intake and a former 805 Squadron member. He was tragically killed in a vehicle accident north of Brisbane yesterday morning Friday, 21 July 2011. Funeral arrangements are yet to be set. Colin Bott, 46th Intake, mobile 0403 982 576 (see also later news item)
Date: 21 July 2011
Name: David Farthing
Email Address:
I regret to advise that I have just received a report that CMDR Jim Firth died yesterday (July 20) after collapsing whilst on a pleasure cruise. Funeral arrangements cannot be confirmed until the ship returns to Sydney in about ten days. Jim's many friends will be saddened by the news and best wishes go out to his family - David Farthing (see also later news item).
Date: 19 July 2011
Name: Ron 'Snow' Wiseman
Email Address:
My name is Ron 'Snow' Wiseman. I was a LSMP. When I was posted to naval headquarters in 1972/73 as a driver, there was an AB air handler by the name of GILL (Christian name unknown) who was also a driver. I would like to contact him regarding a motor vehicle accident we were involved in. Anyone knowing of his whereabouts or how to contact him, I'd appreciate the info. My mobile number is 0417 175 118 or email . Cheers, Ron Wiseman.
Date: 1 July 2011
Name: Ray 'Dutchy' Brauer
Email Address:
'Cyber bridger' wanted - that is, a partner for 'On Line Bridge' @ BBO (Bridge Base Online) at mutually-convenient times, day or evening, for 'general' and 'tournament' play. I live on the Gold Coast.
Please note: BBO is accessible for PCs only and is not currently available for Macintosh users.
My Resume -
Australian Bridge Federation (ABF), member number: #6343
Ranking: 'Local Master'
Experience: Approx. 7 years including a number of Sydney and Wollongong Congresses
Bridge Base Online (BBO) -
Skill Level (Self Assessed): Advanced
Experience: approx. 15 years
System: SAYC (Standard American Yellow Card) with gadgets, by mutual agreement.
I have been a 'bridger' since '83 and play principally for stimulation and recreational enjoyment, 'though, who doesn't like a victory. I am an aggressive intervention bidder while adhering to 'conventional - opening bid' constraints.
Would any interested persons please reply to or log on to BBO and enter RayBrauer in the 'Find Member' window to play or peruse my 'User Profile'. Thank you - Ray 'Dutchy' Brauer.
Date: 27 May 2011
Name: David Berry
Email Address:
Does anyone remember an officer with the surname Mason? Initials are believed to be R. P. and the P could stand for Perry. Last known whereabouts Norfolk/Suffolk in the UK where he liked to be called "Roo." He would be in his mid- to late-70s now and is believed to have served in Vietnam as a pilot. Not a lot of information to go on but I would like to hear from anyone who thinks they knew "Perry" or served with him. Please reply in confidence to . Kind regards, David Berry.
Date: 23 May 2011
Name: Tas Browning
Email Address:
Hi, another part of my research is seeking the detail and any other outcome that may have arisen from aircrew during their time on sorties from HMAS Melbourne from the following abbreviations, sinister or otherwise. My main emphasis is from the 1963 Melbourne tour:
CASEX
HUKEX
VAVEX
MTF
CTF
With thanks, kind regards, Tas Browning, .
Date: 13 May 2011
Name: LEUT Ben Crowther
Hi Everyone, As you may be aware, the Navy's 817 Squadron is now in its final year of operating the mighty Sea King. We will decommission on 16 December 2011 and retire the Westland Sea King after 35 years of faithful service to Australia.
To commemorate this historic event, and raise money for our decommissioning ball, we have developed a line of 817 Sqadron and Sea King-branded merchandise for sale. You can find our range at www.facebook.com/817store. The products on offer will change throughout the year so keep checking the FB page if you are interested. Details of how to order are contained on the FB page. Fly Safe, Ben Crowther, Lieutenant, RAN, 817 Squadron Pilot.
Date: 12 May 2011
Name: Paul Curwood
Email Address:
I am enquiring if anyone in your Association served with Geoffrey John Strickland in the 808 Squadron aboard HMAS Sydney stationed in the 1950s in the Korean War zone? Geoff is my brother-in-law and he died recently. He was married to my sister who died some years ago.
I am anxious to receive any biographical information on Geoff, especially in regard to his service with the RAN's Fleet Air Arm during the Korean War. I would also love to hear from anyone sailed with him during the Korean conflict. I know from online Australian Archives records that he joined the Fleet Air Arm about 1948/9 and served in Korea. Did he fly the Sea Fury during the conflict and was it on the HMAS Sydney?
He is survived by two daughters and numerous grandchildren who would love to know about this part of Geoff's life, as would I also - Paul Curwood, .
Date: 12 May 2011
Name: Ron (Nullabor) Baker
Email Address:
The USS Frank E Evans/HMAS Melbourne reunion is in Waterloo, Iowa in mid-September this year. Anyone wishing to attend, please forward your full mailing address to me ASAP, so that invitations can be mailed to you from the States. Please only respond if you are seriously considering going, as the mail-out cost is not cheap. I will be sending out further details later as a general message, but we need the addresses for those who intend going. Cheers, Ron Baker (aka Nullarbor).
Date: 26 April 2011
Name: Victor (Vic) Walker
Email Address:
My name is Victor (Vic) Walker and I served at HMAS Albatross (with periods on HMAS Melbourne) between May 1968 'till August 1980. I was on 723, 725 and 817 Squadrons and did a stint at Ground Support Section. I left the RAN with the rank POATWL (Petty Officer Air Technical Weapons Electrical).
I am interested in regaining contact with anybody who knows me and served with me during the above period - Vic Walker, .
Date: 30 March 2011
Name: Greg Jehn
Email Address:
Trevor Lennon Davis, R104883, was a crew member of HMAS Melbourne when she came into collision with USS Frank E Evans. He has a claim with MCRS relating to this event. He requires a statutory declaration from a Melbourne crew member verifying that Trevor was involved with the retrieval of bodies following the collision.
It would be greatly appreciated if the statutory declaration be forwarded to Newcastle and Hunter Region Vietnam Veterans' Inc, PO Box 288, Wallsend NSW 2287, for attention Terry O'Brien () - yours aye, Greg Jehn, Secretary.
Date: 10 March 2011
Name: Bob Ray
Email Address:
A. A.(Tony) Hill is not at all well and the prognosis is not good. He has to attend the Sanitarium Hospital in Sydney on a daily basis so he and Janine have taken a flat at 1/62 Palmer St., Cammeray 2062. Janine can be contacted on mobile 0439 754 924 (1600-1700, an attempt not to overload her). Tony will talk if he is up to it after a heavy day with the medicos. He maintains a stoic approach. If anyone has contact with 'Beatles' Bailey, please let him know. Keep them in your thoughts. Originator Bob Ray, source Janine Hill. Regards, Bob Ray.
Date: 20 December 2010
Name: Phil Whitton
Email Address:
I'm searching for information relating to a flight in an S2E Grumman Tracker from Albatross to HMAS Melbourne sometime, possibly November 1973. The Surg Lt (Kingston) and I were onboard Melbourne at anchor in JB on the Sunday morning and I needed to resterilize some packs as our autoclave had gone U/S. The Surg Lt requested a lift in the mail chopper back to the 'tross which was approved.
During the course of the afternoon there was a series of vehicle crashes on both Nowra Hill and Albatross Rd, necessitating "all hands to the sick bay". It was not 'till late in the evening I suggested we contact the ship as we were supposed to have returned late in the afternoon by chopper. A call to the Comm Centre and I was informed Melbourne had sailed and the airfield was closed.
Next morning I was able to arrange passage onboard a Tracker doing "touch and go's" onto Melbourne. When finally we arrested onboard, the look on flyco's face was priceless. "Who's in the sick bay?" was his question, as the Surg and the operating theatre L/S were both in the aircraft!!
Viewing the Tracker warming up during our recent Melbourne Association Reunion at Albatross started me thinking that I'd like to find out the details of the aircraft and the crew. How could this be achieved? - regards, Phil Whitton LSBA (O).
Date: 27 November 2010
Name: Stan Corboy
Email Address:
I am looking for or the whereabouts of Earl (Blackie) Dowson who was at the Tross mid-50s as I was his yeoman for a couple of years or so. Anybody knowing his details, please contact me at the above email address. Thanking you, Stan Corboy.
Date: 13 November 2010
Name: Warwick Lutterell
Email Address:
I am looking for ex-RAN birdie Edwin Michel Payne, R62465. While posted to HMAS Derwent and visiting Sasebo, Japan in May 1967, he met Bob Suckerman, former PH3 USNR-R, USS Ajax. Bob would like to make contact - Warwick Lutterell (State President, Tasmania Branch, Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia, phone (03) 6431 2627 or mobile 0408 333 360).
Date: 27 September 2010
Name: Ruth Jacka
Email Address:
Hi, I'm doing a family history and looking for my step-cousin, David Anderson. David joined the Navy (Albatross) in the mid-1970s and he would have been in his mid-teens. I know this is very little information but I would be grateful for any information. Regards, Ruth Jacka.
Date: 23 August 2010
Name: Judith (Spresser) Pearce
Email Address:
My father Alwyn Joseph (Joey) Spresser served aboard the Sydney between 1953-54. His service number was A45396, branch Naval Airman (Aircraft Handler), 816 Squadron. I'm compiling a family history and would love to hear from anyone who knew him. Sadly he passed on about 15 years ago - his daughter Judith (Spresser) Pearce.
Date: 16 August 2010
Name: Geoffrey Hermann
Email Address:
Any members that served with Alan Guilk (Curly) during his time - I would like to hear from you. I am his great nephew currently serving at HMAS Albatross as a weather observer. He passed away on the 5th August 2010. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. My contact details are as follows. ABCSO Geoffrey Hermann, phone (02) 4424 1632, mobile 0447 596 014.
Date: 7 August 2010
Name: Tas Browning
Email Address:
Hi, I wish to find out the date of the passing of John van Gelder, ex- Gannet pilot. Help is appreciated. Kind regards, Tas Browning, Devonport.
Date: 17 July 2010
Name: Peter Brennan
Email Address:
I am researching my stepfather's naval history. He served on HMAS Sydney 1951-52 and his name was John Starling. I am wondering if any of his ship mates are still alive and if anyone has any photos of the crew because he passed away years ago and I don't have one single photo of him. If anyone has any information, it would be greatly appreciated. Please send me an email at . Yours sincerely, Peter Brennan.
Date: 15 June 2010
Name: Stu Walters
Attention all ex-748 flight maintainers. There will be a social get-together at the Bridge Tavern (Nowra), on the 25 June 2010, commencing at 1300 (til late). Hope to see you there. Regards, Stu Walters.
Date: 15 June 2010
Name: Ron Higgins
Email Address:
I was a Chief AA on HMAS Sydney at Monte Bello in 1952. I was on 816 Squadron. I am wondering if there's anyone still alive who was there and If they would please contact me. The years are passing and not many would still be around. We were in the area for six weeks before the atomic explosion. 817 and 808 were there at that time also. After the explosion we went to Shark Bay to clean ship and have Admiral's inspection. Anyone wishing to contact me can do so on - Ron Higgins.
Date: 4 May 2010
Name: Keith Taylor
Email Address:
ex-POEM(AC) Lionel Trevor Leggett, former Junior Recruit, passed away suddenly last week and was buried the same week. We knew him as Lionel, however I believe he used Trevor as his Christian name after leaving the Navy. He leaves a lot of friends. RIP - yours aye, Keith Taylor, Hon Secretary, WA Division.
Date: 31 March 2010
Name: Mike MacNeill
Email Address:
Mike Curry is trying to track down Bob Evans, Tracker pilot circa 1975 - does anyone have contact details? Please email me at - CMDR Mike MacNeill.
Date: 30 March 2010
Name: Troy Miller
Email Address:
My father Dale Parker Hayes (04/02/1958 - 17/10/2009) served as a "birdie" in the RAN for 22 years on/at HMA Ships Stalwart, Sydney, Moresby, Albatross, Nirimba and Kuttabull/NALO.
Dale recently passed away after a short battle with cancer of unknown origin. Currently the family is dealing with Darryl Dunlop at Legacy House WA to see if the service contributed to Dale's cancer. Darryl has suggested we try and contact anyone that may have served alongside Dale, to help with his investigations.
I would appreciate members taking the time to read this message and I look forward to any reply. Please feel free to contact me on 0433 815 399 - regards, Troy Miller.
Date: 6 March 2010
Name: Dennis Morison
Email Address:
I am trying to contact members of the Yardarms Band that was formed on HMAS Melbourne in 1965. Following is a list of some of the members over a a seven year period - Kipper Brian Kirkman, Gabby Mazaraus, Mick Wicks, Stan Beasley, John McMillen, Peter and Damian Doyle, Barry Lester.
I would also like to hear from Wayne Croft, Tony Waplington, Ray Burt, Mal Fagg, Jim Brown, Terry Franks, Steve Carey, Blue MacDonald and Andy Jamonts. Best wishes, Dennis Morison ex-handler.
Date: 1 March 2010
Name: Denis Mulvihill
Email Address:
All you ex-Wessex maintainers out there. With regards to the Power Run Tie-Down gear, how much did they weigh? Rear saddles (2 piece), and front cables/turnbuckles (4 piece). Any info, please contact me via email - Denis Mulvihill.
Date: 3 February 2010
Name: Dan Hamid
Email Address:
I am a collector of military-issued watches and at the moment I am researching if the RAN Fleet Air Arm issued watches for their observers in the early 1960s.
The watch in question is a Smith's De Luxe issued in 1961. Not much is known about these watches, other then that they were Australian-issued military watches.
Here are some photos of the watch. I am hoping those who served during the above period might know something more about them or which branch they were issued to.
Please forward any information via the email provided. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time - kind regards, Dan Hamid.
See also Later messages and Earlier messages (to publish your own message on this website, see details at top of this page).
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