Died 30th December in hospital in Queensland, following a long illness.
Barry joined the Navy in 1954 (amongst the National Service guys) and served six years before paying off to try a civilian career. This was not to his liking and he rejoined the Navy to complete a full career before finally leaving in 1975 at the rank of CPO (Handler). He was a member of Handlers class ’54 which commenced 31-10.55. His Official Number was R50218.
He was a keen sportsman: when he joined the Navy he was an Olympic class swimmer and was selected for the team, but was unable to attend as no funding assistance was available. He played Water Polo for the Navy at the inter service games and they won.
Barry served on HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne in Vietnam and during the Malaya confrontation.
Despite his failing health Barry was an active an energetic member of his nursing home in QLD, was an active member of the Fleet Air Arm Association, and was very well liked and respected. There was a very good turn out at his funeral on 06 January 2016.
To his wife Yvonne and family we express our deepest sympathy.
