Tony joined the Navy in 1952 and after initial flying training at RAAF Archerfield on Tiger Moths he joined 723 Squadron and was then posted to train as an observer in the UK. After completion of qualifying courses, he served with 723 and 808 Squadron and was present at the commissioning of HMAS Melbourne at Barrow-in-Furness.
During the remainder of his Flying career Tony served with several Squadrons including 825, 766, 706 RN, 817, 816, 725 and 724 RAN. Numerous aircraft types were flown and included the Firefly, Vampire, Sea Venoms, DC3, Auster, Sycamore and Wessex helicopters,
In 1957, Tony and Phil Rowe were involved in the crash of their Sea Venom WZ896 while undertaking deck landing practices at RANAS Nowra. Fortunately, both survived with minor injuries.
1963 saw Tony on an 18-month attachment to Westland Aircraft Company, Yeovil, United Kingdom, with LCDR Jack Salthouse. This time was spent test flying, preparing, accepting and delivering all RAN purchased Wessex Helicopters for transport to Australia.
Later postings included:
· Air Operations Officer RANAS Nowra.
· Staff, US Commander Antisubmarine Warfare Forces, Pacific.
· Executive Officer, HMAS Perth.
· Executive Officer, HMAS ALBATROSS.
· Naval Attaché, Australian Embassy, Jakarta.
· Director, Protocol and Visits.
· Deputy Director (Military), Defence Security Branch.
Tony was promoted to Captain 31st December 1979 and retired from the RAN January 1990. Post RAN service he undertook University study, consulting work and teaching in the field of information and knowledge management.
Tony was pre-deceased by his wife, Elaine, and left behind Tanya and David and his grandson Sean. His funeral will be at St John’s Anglican Church in REID (ACT), at 1400 on Dec 17 July 2024. left behind
Vale Captain Anthony (Tony) Eccleston GLEX (O) RAN (Ret’d)
Funeral Details are attached and include family details,
Thanks to Murray Smythe & Jeff Dalgliesh, who compiled this obituary with the assistance of Duncan Marshall (family), Paul Fothergill and Jack McCaffrie.