Cyril Dakin

We regret to inform you that longtime member Cyril ( Cy ) Dakin SL(EX) (P), late of Benowa (QLD), crossed the Bar on 12th April 2024 at 94 years of age.

Cyril  was born in QLD on 7th July 1929 and joined the Navy on a six year engagement on 11 November 1950,   Having completed his basic and then pilot’s training as a Recruit Naval Airman (Aircrew), he was discharged as a junior sailor and then immediately enlisted on the same day as an officer, as was the practice in those days.

Service with 850 and 808 Squadrons in Korea embarked in HMAS Sydney and HMAS Vengeance followed. In 1954 as a LEUT. Cyril converted onto the Sea Vampire and Sycamore Helicopter with 723 Squadron and in 1955 was posted to 851 Squadron flying the Firefly T5 and AS-6 aircraft. The RAAF Flying Instructors Course was completed in 1956 and Cyril then became the Senior Naval Officer RAAF Point Cook and an Instructor at No. 1 Advanced Flying Training School. 1958 saw him posted to HMAS Creswell and then 724 Squadron flying the Vampire and Sea Venom.

April 1960 Cyril was discharged from the RAN, and was subsequentlyhappy to pass on his enthusiasm for the FAA to his grandson, who also joined the Fleet Air Arm as a pilot.

During his career he represented the RAN in Inter Service Cricket and Tennis with considerable success and is noted as HMAS Albatross Sportsman of the Month for December 1959.

His funeral will be held at Somerville Chapel. Alamanda Gardens Nerang Queensland on the 26th of April at 10:30 am. Our condolences to the family.

(With thanks to Jeff Dalgliesh, Murray Smythe, Terry Hetherington and John Stewart).