Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
Robert 'Windy' Geale
10 December 2009
It is with regret that we record the passing of (LCDR) Robert 'Windy' Geale. Windy passed away on Sunday, 6 December 2009, with his memorial service taking place at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra on Wednesday, December 9.
The Association sends its condolences to Kit and the family. He will be sadly missed by all, not only as a member and friend but also for his wealth of knowledge on naval aviation issues and his position of the Association's honorary historian.
Windy was awarded life membership of the Association at the annual meeting in October 2009, in recognition of his work supporting the interests and activities of the Association. Sadly, he was not well enough to be present to accept the award.
At Divisions at HMAS Albatross in November, he was presented with a Commander Fleet Air Arm Commendation to mark his "tireless and exemplary performance in his role as the Honorary Historian to the Fleet Air Arm Museum between 1985 and 2009".
Windy was born at Weiland, Ontario, on 19 March 1929 and became a naval airman in the RNVR in May 1943. He was awarded his observer wings in 1950 and that year transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy.
His naval aviation career continued in Canada until 1969 when he transferred as a lieutenant commander into the RAN. He was posted to the naval air station at Nowra where he held a number of posts.
Windy was gazetted as a Member of the Brtitish Empire Medal in December 1979 and continued his naval career until 'retirement' in March 1985. He then became the Honorary Historian to the FAA Museum.
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