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 .

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 x-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 .

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 to 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.