We have been advised that Ray Hawkins Crossed the Bar in mid May 2021 aged 86.

Raymond Basil Hawkins was born on the 7th December 1945 in Kogarah NSW. He joined the Australian Navy in February 1963 for a nine year engagement having worked as a Labourer, and trained as an ET. He served mainly in the Sydney region including on ships Derwent and Parramatta before volunteering for the Aircrewman branch, for which he qualified at Albatross in 1967.  

On the 9th September 1968 Ray arrived at Blackhorse base camp of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR) Vietnam, with the 2nd Contingent of the RANHFV led by Lieutenant Commander Graham Rohrsheim, RAN. Blackhorse was established in late October 1966 28 km north of Nui Dat. The camp took its name from the black horse shoulder sleeve insignia of the 11th ACR. Ray’s contingent stayed until the 9th October 1969 and on return home was promoted to Petty Officer Aircrewman.

In his later years he chose to remain in the background so we have little information about him. 

Rest In Peace.