Geoffrey Gratwick was born on 14 May 1929, in Perth, Western Australia, to parents Jack and Veronica Gratwick. Geoff enlisted in the RAN for 6 years at Perth on 08 November 1950, his previous occupation is listed as accounts clerk.

Drafted to HMAS Cerberus (FND) south of Melbourne Geoff completed his initial training as a Recruit (NA) Aircrew. On 26 February 1951 he was posted to RAAF Point Cook as a Probationary (NA) Aircrew where he began training as a pilot and was promoted Probationary (NA) Pilot on 30 August 1951. On 30 June 1952 he graduated at Point Cook, from Pilots Course 07, as Pilot IV, with promotion to Acting Sub Lieutenant (P). After completing a Divisional Course at HMAS Cerberus he took passage to the UK on the passenger liner MV Orcades.

On arrival in the UK Geoff began training with the RN completing a series of flying courses variously at RNAS Daedalus, Siskin, Fulmar and Seahawk where he specialised as a fighter pilot, flying Hawker Sea Fury aircraft. When he returned to Australia in June 1953, he joined 850 Squadron (Sea Furies) at the RAN Air Station HMAS Albatross at Nowra NSW. 850 Squadron then embarked on HMAS Vengeance in July 1953 for exercises.

In October 1953, 850 Squadron embarked on HMAS Sydney 111 which then proceeded to Korea on its 2nd post armistice patrol until June 1954, where Geoff continued to fly Sea Furies. Returning to Australia 850 Squadron disembarked to HMAS Albatross in July 1954 and was confirmed as Lieutenant (P). In Brisbane, on 10 September 1954 he married Marylin Joyce Campbell.

Geoff was then posted to 808 Squadron which began a training course on Sea Venom aircraft in the UK, reforming as a Sea Venom Squadron at HMS Heron at Yeovilton on 23 August 1955. 808 then embarked on the newly commissioned RAN aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne in February 1956 reaching Australia in May where the 808 disembarked to HMAS Albatross.

In June 1956, at HMAS Albatross, Geoff was posted to 724 Squadron, which served as a training squadron for the new De Haviland Sea Venom aircraft. Given Geoff’s considerable experience flying Sea Fury and Sea Venom aircraft he would have provided valuable assistance with pilots converting to the Sea Venoms. However, as his 6 years’ service with the RAN ended in November 1956, he decided not to re-engage but enrolled in the Emergency List before taking his DEE.

There is no information about what Geoff did after leaving the RAN except that he moved to Queensland, died on 28 May 2005, in Brisbane, at the age of 76, and was buried in Bridgeman Downs, Queensland, Australia.

References:

National Archives of Australia
RAN Sea Power Centre
DVA Nominal Rolls
Funeral notice