LCDR Maurice Tiffen passed away early Saturday 31st May. aged 95.
Maurie enlisted in the navy for 12 years in WA on 08 July 1948 with official number R36358. After recruit training at Cerberus he went to Albatross where he qualified as an armourer in November 1949 rated NAM (O), advancing to LAM(O) in 1953 and to P.O. Air Fitter (O) in 1955. Having gained a good pass in H.E.T. exams he was qualified for the Special Duties list and after further training was promoted Sub Lt S.D. (AV) in May 1963.
After training as an Air Traffic Controller he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1965. In 1968 he served on a detachment manning the merchant vessel Jeparit carrying goods to and from Vietnam before rejoining the Melbourne Air Group in 1969. He was onboard when the carrier collided with the USS Frank E Evans.
Maurice spent time at Albatross on ATC duties and a stint in Navy Personnel, and then in the Directorate of Trade and Exercise Coordination. He also took responsibility for maintaining and manning the Navy War Room. Maurice was promoted to LCDR in 1975 and had a year as SATCO (Senior Air Traffic Control Officer) in 1978.
Maurice also did a stint overseas as the Assistant Defence Attache in Singapore and RANLO in 1981. In June 1982 he was awarded the MBE for his RAN service and contribution as Deputy Director of Trade and Exercise Coordination.
He was an inaugural member of the ACT Fleet Air Arm Association and always, when able, proudly marched on Anzac Day and brought his family along to support “the birdies”. He served and represented his country with enormous pride.
Maurice is survived by his wife Monica, to whom he was married for over 70 years. His funeral was held on 12th June 2025 at the Holy Trinity Church, Curtin, ACT.
Thank you for your service ‘Tiff’. RIP.
