We have been advised of the death of James Duncombe, who is a Navy veteran, on 16 April 2022. He was (just shy of) 94 years old and didn’t quite make it to Anzac Day this year.
James Duncombe joined the RAN in October 1946 and was trained as a Radio Wireless mechanic, first serving on HMAS Torrens as an Ordinary Seaman the following year. He progressed through the ranks, serving at HMAS Watson, Kuttabuly, Penguin and a stint in the UK before transferring to the Fleet Air Arm in 49/50, discharging as a CPO Radio Electrician (Air) in October 1961. His war service was with 850 Squadron serving in HMAS Sydney during the Korean War 1951-52. In 2010 he received a letter from the President of South Korea thanking him for his service to the people of South Korea.
He will be laid to rest in Canberra on 22 April 2022 in a private ceremony.
Rest In Peace.