Patrick Rose was born at Hamilton NSW on 04 January 1938 and, following a lengthy illness, died at Newcastle NSW, on 20 August 2016, aged 78.
Patrick enlisted in the RAN for 9 years on 30 March 1958 as a recruit Naval Airman Mechanic, his previous occupation being listed as motor mechanic. Having completed his initial training at HMAS Cerberus at Western Port Victoria, he arrived at HMAS Albatross on 29 May 1958 where he began training as a Naval Airman Mechanic (O) [later Weapons]. Patrick’s aptitude and mechanical experience allowed him to perform at an above average level.
For the next year Patrick was engaged in further training on various aircraft with particular attention to the De Havilland Sea Venom fighters and Fairey Gannet anti-submarine aircraft which were the front line aircraft at the time. Early in 1960 Patrick joined 805 Squadron which embarked on the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne for multi-service exercises and patrols in Southeast Asian waters with the Far East Strategic Reserve, which at the time was part of the Cold War effort to curb Soviet submarine activity in the region.
Over the next decade Patrick did numerous cruises on Melbourne attached to squadrons, which returned to HMAS Albatross on completion of exercises. In he was promoted LAM (W) in 1964 and two years later joined the first group of maintainers selected for A4G Skyhawk training at the US Navy airfield, NAS Lemoore, California, returning to Albatross in 1967 after comprehensive training on the Skyhawk fighter/bombers.
In 1967 Patrick reengaged for a further 3 years, and in 1968 was promoted POAM (W). At around this time he was posted to HMAS Nirimba where he began extensive specialist trade training as a Mechanician. Patrick’s keen interest in mechanics served him well as he achieved high marks. In 1971 he reengaged to complete 15 years’ service which he completed as a Chief Petty Officer MECH ATW. As service records transferred to EDP in 1970 further details are not available but it is thought he took his discharge soon afterwards to pursue family life and his interest in mechanics in civvy street.
Patrick was a quiet, respectful person who sadly acquired the name ‘squeaky’ at recruit school (due to a slight speech impediment), which followed him through his navy days. Although he never baulked it must have upset him at times. But what is certain is that Patrick’s sense of honesty and decency was a strong feature of this character, which will always be remembered.
Kim Dunstan
