We have been advised of the passing of Fred Rubly on 20 March 2025, late of Manuka ACT, aged 85.
Frederick Ian Rubly was born in Surabaya (Java) on 30 November 1939, a few months after the start of WW2. The country was subsequently occupied by the Japanese, and Fred and his mother Adeline were placed in an internment camp until the end of the war. They returned to the Netherlands and then Switzerland where Fred started school, adding French and German to his existing language skills. He did not see his father again until 1948, when the Red Cross managed to reunite his parents.
Like many immigrants disrupted by War, Hank and Adeline Rubly decided to start a new life in Australia, arriving in Melbourne in 1949 where their second child, Maureen, was born. The family then moved to Cooma where the climate was better for Adeline.
Not keen to work in the local bank after finishing high school, Fred enlisted into the Royal Australian Navy on the 24th of April 1958. After basic training he was assigned to the Air Technical Communications branch to begin his career as a Radio Technician. As technology advanced Fred became involved with Radar equipment, becoming an expert in servicing and repairing radar units and earning the reputation as “The Radar King” for his skills in fixing even the most complex problems.
Four years after joining up Fred met Jenni on a blind date when HMAS Melbourne visited Brisbane. Sadly, his mother passed away at an early age and never managed to see the couple marry in 1965.
According to Fred’s Record of Service he was posted on numerous occasions to HMA Ships Albatross and Melbourne, including service aboard the latter when its collision with the US Navy destroyer Frank E. Evans occurred. He saw active service during the Vietnam War and earned a number of medals including:
- The Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasps Malaysia Vietnam
- The Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp Far East Strategic Reserve
- The General Service Medal 1945-75 with Clasp Malay Peninsula
- The Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal
- The Australian Defence Medal
- The Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal, and
- The Returned from Active Service Badge
Fred also experienced additional overseas attachments. One such was in 1966 when he was sent to San Diego on the Tracker Aircraft Program to learn about more advanced radar technology. Fred’s expertise became renowned and as a result, he was requested to serve aboard four US aircraft carriers during his time in the USA.
Fred retired from the Navy in 1970, having completed 12 years and attained the substantive rank of Petty Officer, while serving in his final posting as acting Chief Petty Officer. He continued to serve his nation for many years, however, with the Royal Australian Naval Reserve as an instructor with the Navy Cadets and later in a civil capacity with the local Marine Rescue in Merimbula.
After many years living in NSW, Fred and Jenni relocated to Canberra in 2017 for health reasons, and continued to have many adventures travelling together as they had done throughout their married life.
Fred was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1986, most probably contracted as a result of his Service. He battled this disease for 39 years and was tireless in researching its causes and advocating for changes to DVA. After 24 years he was successful in achieving that change, to the benefit of future generations of servicemen and women. In 2014 he also engaged in a drug trial that would eventually become the recognised treatment for people with his condition. It is apt that the disease Fred had battled for so long was not the primary cause of his passing, though its side effects did contribute to it.
Fred Rubly led a full and exciting life as a loving husband, brother, father, uncle and grandfather. His family remember him as a man of integrity and unswerving loyalty and for his quirky sense of humour. His friends remember him as a staunch mate who believed in never letting people down. We, in the Fleet Air Arm, will remember him as one of our own who served his country with distinction.
Fred Rubly, born November 1939, died March 2025. His Watch is done. May he rest in peace.
