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Friday 26 September  2008     Phil Thompson   email phillipthompson2@bigpond.com 

My background: I joined RAN beginning 1966 as a new 17 year old. Went to flying training with the RAAF to end up at NAS Nowra beginning of 1969 flying first of all the old jets Vampires and Sea Venoms and then the Skyhawk beginning of 1970, later to VF-805 on April Fools Day 1971. On first September 1971 at night on my second night deck landing I put a big dent in the round down of HMAS Melbourne. :-) Later went on the cruise to Hawaii and then beginning of 1972 went to the usual SEA trip returning via Perth to disembark. Was medically discharged in May 1975

  About 4 years ago decided to gather memorabilia together and put some material online (in an effort to stop a lot of bad information about the A4G Skyhawk at the time).I have been working on a PDF "Scrapbook History of the A4G Skyhawk and the FAA" ingeneral which includes HMAS Melbourne. The PDF is not made in formal book style. It is made to mimic (naturally) the chaotic style of Squadron linebooks, which when made by many authors with different skills could be very funny or very obscure. :-) I have no skill but I have tried to be funny where possible.

In the meantime here are some general web pages with many PDFs on them. 

http://www.gibstuff.net/a4_alley/a4s_RAN-1.html 

http://www.gibstuff.net/a4_alley/a4s_RAN-2.html 

http://www.gibstuff.net/a4_alley/a4s_RAN-3.html 

http://www.gibstuff.net/a4_alley/a4s_RAN-Bartels.html 

http://www.history.tjdwyer.com/ 

http://hosted.filefront.com/SpazSinbad/  (PDFs below 1GB)

http://hosted.filefront.com/SpazSinbad/2116553  (videos)

Regards from Phil Thompson.

N.B. 'Sinbad' was my RAN callsign until the original 'SINBAD' took it back so then "Lucifer" was my callsign. :-)

Friday 26 September  2008     Phil Thompson   email phillipthompson2@bigpond.com 

To whom it may concern,   Utube video "Farewell to a Lady" (HMAS Melbourne II swansong video) 10 minutes with a 'standard' and a 'high quality' option. The .FLV video clip will be in the Internet Explorer cache at the end for keeping as required.

http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9fsxLPwsQ  

On this page is not only the "Farewell" clip but other Fleet Air Arm clips featuring HMAS Melbourne II from 1969-82.

http://nz.youtube.com/user/bengello 

Regards from Phil Thompson.

Friday 26 September  2008     Joe Kaposi     email  carrierplanes-ondeck@hotmail.com 

My name is Joe Kaposi and i served aboard Melbourne from Oct '77 till Nov '79. I feel very lucky and privileged to have served aboard the Old Girl, i remember as a child my fascination at seeing photo's of aircraft aboard ships, but the ones that really left their mark were the ones that featured deck crew. I knew at a very early age that i wanted to be one of those guys.
I was lucky enough to be part of the flightdeck party, doing my fair share of different jobs whenever the 6 week or so rotation came along. Lift driver, six spot chockman, fire pointman, firesuitman, general duties, short stint and strop catching, worked with LCDR Coles in the ACR, which was fun for awhile, but i soon yearned to get back out onto the deck. I think once they had you in the ACR or FLYCO they did'nt really want to let go of you again. Un-relenting squealing got me back outside in the end.
Its easy to forget names, but some faces are still vivid, Don Stevens, Mark Ramage, Battle o Britton, Jamie Grainger etc.
The action on deck will never be forgotten, though memories fade and blur over the years. I remember the A-4 that settled onto the ramp, leaving dents in the plating and a hook gouge mark down near the Admirals catwalk. The pandemonium in the ACR when A-4 888 went into the drink, shortly followed by the Seaking that tore holes into the port after gun sponson on its way to visit Davey Jones' locker.
Also remember the smart arse RAAF Caribou crew who lowered flaps and under carriage whilst flying way over head, them guys probably still don't know if anyone ever saw their gag.
Remember racing out of the firesuitman's bin to see the RAAF F-111 powering away from the groove as though taking a wave off.
The Big E meet up and berthing beside Kittyhawk.
The love of all thing naval aviation has never diminished over the years. I have spent many of them collecting a vast library of home video footage from around the world on a swap basis, mostly filmed aboard USN carriers, but plenty of Aussie stuff, some RN, French and even Dutch footage.
The 4 items i have finally decided to sell will hopefully help pay for some of my collecting habits, though freely swapping is still mainly what i do.
So come on guys with old home video's or reels, lets do a swap.
Hope to see some old buddies at the re-union later in the year.
 
Joe

Ed:  See "Saleable Items" page for details of videos the writer has for sale - Item 3.

Sunday 14 September  2008     Dean Gedling     email  Dean Gedling via HMAS Melbourne Association.

Rough Seas on the Kitty Hawk.  Click here for video.  The chopper seen on the ship's bow, tied down at helo Spot 2, is a Sikorsky SH-60F from HS-14. The pilot had just landed on deck, and his helo was tied down on Spot 2 because the seas were too rough to move it to a safer place.The "Hawk" was in the Sea of Japan during the week of March 22, 2008.  I am amazed the chopper survived.  Cheers Dean.

 

Sunday 10 August  2008     Bill Krause     email  Bill Krause via HMAS Melbourne Association.

DOWNSIZING THE NAVY DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF FUEL

 

Sunday 3 August  2008     Colin Chadwick     email col44018@bigpond.net.au 

My name is Colin Chadwick and i am doing a DVA claim for an ex sailor from the HMAS Melbourne.    he was an aircraft handler fleet air arm
This man has had 2 hips and a shoulder replaced.   His contention is that the stairs /steps whatever sailors call them have caused his trouble.  He further contends that loading stores manually on to the ship is also a contributing factor.   I am seeking any one that would have the statistics on steps and stairs on board the ship so i can ascertain a daily count of his climbs up and down.I am also particularly keen to find also what is entailed in the replenishment of rations etc on board.   ie is it manhandled and what weights and over what distance.   I am ex Army ,but i have known this man for some 30 yrs and feel compelled to help him out.   Could you please guide me onto the right path and allow this man to get his rightful compensation.  (he has already been knocked back once due to insufficient evidence)   Just in case any one asks. Yes i am the Brother of ex CPO Fire Fighter Brian Chadwick BM.  Hopefully i hope someone can help  regards Colin Chadwick
 

Sunday 3 August  2008     Paul Dennis     email supajoel@westnet.com.au

Hello readers , RANKIN RECRUIT INTAKE JULY 1965 are conducting another reunion at Coffs Harbour on the last weekend of July 2009 . Currently , we know the whereabouts of two thirds of the intake and are very keen to find the remaining ‘old salts’ . To date , none of the blokes who have been found served in the MELBOURNE , but , we do know that a few of our Rankin friends did serve in her during the latter part of the 1960s and probably into the 1970s . Can anyone assist us in making contact with these sailors (off. numbersR64542 to R64601) ? We have had two gatherings (2005 & 2007) and would dearly love to see more of our missing shipmates at our third reunion . Please contact one of the following : Kerry Kerr 0412647999 , Peter Casey Jones 0418783281 , Erwin Canada Hodikin 0408789440 , Frank FAJ Koeneman 0412645992 , Bob Spargo 0431738634 or this writer Paul Dennis via e-mail (supajoel@westnet.com.au) . All assistance will be greatly appreciated . Good health and happiness to everyone

Monday 28 July  2008     Marty Grogan     email  mgro4420@bigpond.com.au

A couple of days ago I was lashed up with trying to organise a 45th Reunion from my intake in November 1963.    It is intended to hold a 45th Reunion for the November 1963 Intake of Recruits (Moran Division) on the weekend of 28th, 29th and 30th November, 2008 in Sydney.    For further details please contact :Marty GROGAN on mgro4420@bigpond.net.au or 0417 377 763   I served on MELBOURNE in 1964 and de-commissioned it (WOWTR - Personnel Officer) in 1981   Best wishes  Marty  WOWTR M.G GROGAN OAM

Thursday 24 July  2008     Mitch Miller     email   mitchklmiller@optusnet.com.au  

One of our members is trying to purchase an HMAS Melbourne 2 model he can assemble himself! would any of our other members know where he could get hold of such an item, even any carrier of the Majestic Class would be suitable, the Sec has tried half a dozen model shops in Campbelltown but most are the modern remote controlled type ships, planes etc. if you do know where one might find one of the above, please let the Sec know and he shall pass on the information.
On the way back from Ulladulla, last month, the Sec and Returning Officer (ex RAF) visited the Fleet Air arm Museum outside of HMAS Albatross, if you are ever passing that way it is definitely worth a visit, they had the pleasure of watching some up and coming pilots, probably civvies, doing touch and go landings, it brought back many memories of the Tross in the late fifties even though it seemed a bit calm compared to those days, but life must go on, and the thoughts that if the Fleet Air arm were to leave the area, Nowra would go broke! it did not turn out that way as Nowra is a thriving country town with a lot of ex Birdies still living down there       Mitch

Tuesday 21 July 2008  Erik (Rick) Ceslis  email Erik Ceslis via HMAS Melbourne Association

G'day Allen,    (Ref letter 22 April)  You mentioned that you have a pendant with an official number, it would be from an ex-JR of the 17th intake, you'd find the name by contacting somebody in archives defence. There were quite a few JR's from the 17th intake onboard at the time.

I served onboard from 1975 to 1978 as a CPOETS in charge of Radar Maintenance. She was great old ship, anybody remember "Dracula" who terrorised the passageways late at night A good mate living up here in sunny QLD is Dave Terry ex WO Handler who did many a year on the old girl. Regards Erik (Rick) Ceslis ex-CPOET

Thursday 26 June 2008  John Tregoning  email John Tregoning via HMAS Melbourne Association

gidday greatsite hows that finding sydney she still looks proud hey , i served on melbourne in 1976 till she paid off lived in 5dstbd mess have some great photos of the refugees we picked up,the indian ocean deployment,launchings etc if u guys need any copies let me know great work,wished that falklands war hadnt started i was gonna pick up the invincable,the buzz was she was going to be the australia, anyway i commisioned the darwin and they were more great times cheers trigger  ex LSRP

Saturday 13 June 2008  Kevin  email kevnkim@xtra.co.nz 

 I have a friend who served on the Melbourne when it was involved in the Feb 64 incident.  He is unaware I am making contact but I wonder if anyone could tell me if he would elegible for any service medals       I think he served somewhere between 1962 and 1964 - 65???     Thank you for your time     Kevin    Ex Warrant Officer Class One  NZ Army
 

  

 Tuesday 10 June 2008  Allan Tolhurst  email  Allan Tolhurst  via HMAS Melbourne Association

My name is Allan Tolhurst,ex POMTP.I served on the Melbourne from Feb 72 to MAY78.  I'm hoping to be able to put names to faces from a photo of a mess pi  up at the Sydney bar, Nesoon,1973.   Is there  a way to to find the names of the Eng Dept of 1973,in particular, 4 Hotel Port Mess?  See "Photos of People" section of this web site.   Regards,Allan (tolly) Tolhurst 

 Monday 9 June 2008  Darrin Wilson  email Darrin Wilson  via HMAS Melbourne Association

 Hi,    I served on the Melbourne 1981 and 82 and decommissioned her.  I have two original decommissioning port bottles and am interested in swapping one for a commissioning port bottle of the new Melbourne .Cheers  Darrin Wilson  ABRP  R131008

Wednesday 4 June 2008  Alfred Calleja  email  Alfred Calleja   via HMAS Melbourne Association

I was just reading your web page and think it's great, I have a some what love affair with all things to do with all the HMAS ,Melbournes. It is great to see that the history of these ships will live on. I am a model ship builder and have made two Melbournes, the 21 and the 05 ( please see photos ). The aircraft carrier took me almost two years to make ( finished 1994 ) ,most of it is made from wood and other ship parts each aircraft was carved by hand.The 05 Melb is a kit. ( you can use the photos on your web page , if you want ). I saw that Tex Bryson is building a big Melb 21 , he may want to see the photos as may the rest of your readers. I wish that they had kept the Melb 21 as a museum, I have never had the chance to see the Melb 21 ( in person ) only in books. Thanks for the great read on your web page. Alfred Calleja  

 

Tuesday 3 June 2008  Phil Whitton  email Phil Whitton 

Yet another year has rolled on from on this day 39years ago.     RIP USS FRANK E EVANS and those lost in her.

Friday 30 May 2008  Kim Dunstan  email   Kim Dunstan    via HMAS Melbourne Association

  This Gannet will not fly again

A sudden burst of air turbulence on approaching the flight deck of HMAS Melbourne in 1960 caused this Fariey Gannet to dip and hit the round-down at the stern of the ship. Somehow the aircraft caught an arrestor wire and it landed badly losing a wing in the process. Lucily all three aircrew scaped uninjured.  
 
The Fairey Gannet was a rugged aircraft and could take an amazing amount of punishment, but damage like this meant salvaging whatever parts were possible and disposing of the remains. Stripped of its parts the the airframe was consigned to Davy Jones's locker a week later.

  

A little publicised aspect of the navy life is the way sailors reach out to the under privileged and disadvantaged when visiting ports at home and abroad.This photo shows a group of children from a Yokohama orphanage enjoying afternoon tea in the sailors cafeteria on HMAS Melbourne in 1960.The fact nobody spoke Japanese and the children didn't speak English didn't stop everyone from enjoying themselves. And that includes the sailors who were waiting on the tables.   A little kindness and good humour goes a long way wouldn't you say!
 

 

Thursday 29 May 2008  Mitch Miller  email via  via  HMAS Melbourne Association    via HMAS Melbourne Association

Here is real sailor remembrance material!    She said  "You love me, but you won't kiss me" or something like that. 

Wednesday 28 May 2008  Phil Pope  email Phil Pope  via HMAS Melbourne Association

Hi,  The things you find while surfing the net.  I was a greenie (ETC) on Melbourne from 1980 to 1982.  I think I will have a browse.  Thanks for setting up the site, the cartoon of Harry’s Café de Wheels gave me a chuckle.  Last time I went near cowper wharf roadway it was a sad sight.  Stuck on bricks and too far from the G.I. gate for drunks rolling back down from the Cross.   I was browsing another site recently and found a photo of Dave (Pincher) Martin commissioning the Café as HMAS Harrys.  The link is here for any-one who served with Pincher and remembers his sense of humour. http://www.harryscafedewheels.com.au/Page.aspx?element=3&category=1  Regards,   Phil Pope

Sunday 25 May 2008  Kim Dunstan  email Kim Dunstan    via HMAS Melbourne Association

Just happened upon the HMAS Melbourne website and thought the Assn may have a photo archive which the attached might go for the record.The shot (taken by me circa 1960) shows 4 Charlie Port messdeck on HMAS Melbourne. In the space shown - is where 24 sailors slept - with another 40 nearby and the same again on the starboard side. Not exactly luxury at any time and a hot box in the tropics.  Cheers  Kim Dunstan

 
 

Wednesday 21 May 2008  Andrew Nettle  email  via  HMAS Melbourne Association

I served In Melbourne II from late 1979 through to just after decommissioning in 1982 as a result of this I have a boxed set of port which was given to crew who were serving on the 30th of June 1982. It is still intact and been gathering dust over the years I am interested in selling the item and was wondering if there was any of your members who may be interested in purchasing this item.

   Regards,   Andrew Nettle

Monday 19 May 2008  Tex Bryson   email  via  HMAS Melbourne Association 

 
I am building a large model of HMAS Melbourne, mainly because my brother served on her post '72,      I am having great difficulty getting the Island correct as factual pictures are very rare, I really need any photos of the port side of the island and of the mobile crane that was parked near the island. The mobile crane I am looking for is the one that was parked on the deck of Melbourne and looks like it was kept next to the Island.   My brother tells me it was able to me moved by several guys or by a tractor?. Apparently to was yellow in coulour. Could you please send out a message to your members requesting help and direct any responses or photo copies to me email address.   Thank you in advance   Yours Aye    Tex Bryson
 

     

 

Tuesday 30 April 2008  Peter Gobbert  email  via  HMAS Melbourne Association 

evening my name is Peter Gobbert....my father worked at Garden Island in the 70's and early 80's.the navy made a number of pure brass bells from the oil pump of the Melbourne,I have one of these and what i am after is a copy of the paper that came with the bell explaining the origin of the bell i can be contacted on 0439424790 or by e mail petergobbert@yahoo.com.au you help would be much apprecated...............thank you    Peter

Saturday 22  April  2008    Rodney McBay   email via  HMAS Melbourne Association 

Rodney McBay R64945, Trying to get in contact with any former mates who joined with me WALLER I January 1966,
Please contact me 

Tuesday 22  April  2008    Allan J Watt (via Bill Krause)  email via  HMAS Melbourne Association 

I have a necklace pendant that I found many years ago that some one must have lost.   Made of Pewter (I think).     Inscription on the face R95514 RAN BGO
Obviously it belonged to a sailor who's official number is R95514 and who has a Blood group "O"   He might like it returned  Just rediscovered it again and thought it could be of value to the owner
 Kind Regards   " Junior" Allan J Watt PH: 0266868324 – Mobile: 0428286405
 
Friday 11  April  2008    Sharon Roberts  email  Shazbat1234567@hotmail.com 
 

I have been looking for my father who was a pilot on HMAS Melbourne when she was in portsmouth in 1955/56 he was stationed at cludrose nr helstone in cornwall when he met my mother he came to england twice to find me after he had a helicopter accident when I was young he paid mantinance for me till I was about *8 years old. I have 3 children who would like to know their grandfather and 2 grandchildren who would like to get to know him as well.  If you do find him and he does not want to know me after all these years could you please let me know so I want bother him again.I remain yours sincerly       Sharon roberts    PS my mums maiden name was barbara gowling and I know he had a sister who was a teacher and his mum lived on a small farm and he liked to draw and sometimes did cartoons for a news paper. Hope to hear from you.

 

Monday 7 April  2008    Ron Fry   email sandrfry@bigpond.net.au  

Hi all I joined Melbourne 1968 and left 1970.
The collision Melbourne and Frank E Evans still haunts me to this day. I was an AB Cook at the time just 18 years old I arrived on the flight deck to see the forward section of Evans pointing skywards and sinking fast .
That twisting metal noise and the sound of sailors calling out for help in the dark but moon lit night will always be with me, as will it be for all  that sailed on Melbourne that tragic night.
Not easy to forget but life must go on.
Ron Fry  R65217

 

Sunday 6 April  2008    Rex Langford   email relangford@bigpond.com.au

There is one thing I can possibly assist with and that is in the section "photo's of people"
The photo under hanger rats asked if anyone knew who the mess deck people are from Vince Fazio.
I suggest the photo is 4H stokers mess the person standing with the hand on his hip was  my best mate'
Trevor Mathers R55716.    
We joined pussers in the July intake 1959 Posted to Barcoo for 1960 and Joined Melbourne early January 61.
Trevor Lives in Greenwood a suburb of Perth WA .  I seen him about 18 months ago and he is not travelling to well with early signs of Dementia.
I trust this will assist.
Sunday 6 April  2008    Bill Krause   email mkrause@bigpond.net.au

 

Now this brings back a lot of memories from the younger days...Good artwork to go with it

 

Thursday 27 March 2008    Terry Ballhause     email     balldy126@netspace.net.au 

Hi everyone....My name is    Terry Ballhause, o/n R 52150...Joined 56 paid off 63............ I was on melbourne  I think during the time 58... 59    even so would like to find out.......also  Bob King  R51986   I think  was the friend I knew back then  , i was RP  and my nick was Balldy. the past does come back now and again.......would like to get in touch with Bob again........I was told about Bobs accident........think its the same bloke

  Thanks Balldy............ 

Friday 21 March 2008    Neville Wilkinson     email     wlkinson@ihug.co.nz 

I found interested about the HMAS Melbourne 2 and am trying find pictures or interior of the Delta Deck, Chain locker and the whole ship.

Could you please if you could help me find anything then it would be much appreciated.

Friday 21 March 2008    John Hogg     email     johnshogg@msn.com 

What a week! The discovery of the wrecks of HMAS SYDNEY and the german raider KORMORAN will help bring further closure to the families of the 645 ship's company lost in November 1941.
Commemorative services for HMAS SYDNEY are currently being planned and a website has been established to record the identities of those family members who wish to become involved.
A registration form where relatives can provide their contact details is now available online at www.navy.gov.au follow the links to the HMAS Sydney II information page.
Relatives can also register their details by ringing a toll free number 1800 005 687 during working hours. (Forwarded from Les Dwyer, National President, Naval Association of Australia).

Friday 29 February 2008   Rod Hodgson    e-mail: rhodgson@videotron.ca  

I am wondering if anyone remembers a Lt. Cdn H. Alex Schroeser who served on HMAS Melbourne in the late 1950s. He is the father of my cousin who now live near Melbourne. Are any photos of him available. I am doing family research.   Thank you       R Hudson, Quebec, Canada
 
 
Wednesday 27 February 2008    John Kielbicki     email   john.kielbicki@exemail.com.au 
 
Quite a few guys from the Leeuwin 17th intake served on Melbourne II.       I was onboard in 1969 when we hit the Evans.
I was a greenie at the time, an EMWE. We had been night flying on the night/morning of 3 June 1969. I had just come off watch at 3 am and was heading down to my locker below the Greenies Mess when we hit. My left knee slammed into the hatch combing and to this day I still have a lump in the muscle under the skin. I knew we had hit something but no idea what it was. I ran to 2 deck on the port side and watched the front end of Evans sink off the port quarter (it was a very bright moonlit night.)    I then ran across the forecastle and down the starboard side as they were securing the stern of the Evans to the Melbourne.
 
I watched the rescue operations for a while then went to my emergency station (the gyro repair workshop on 5 deck) where I should have been in the first place. Yes it was a memorable night.
 
Melbourne and other vessels searched the area till well into the afternoon of that day. The ocean must have been pretty deep in that area as I remember the fuel oil from the ruptured tanks on the Evans didn't hit the surface till about 10 am.

Wednesday 9 January 2008  Jim Hampton   email    jim.hampton@bigpond.com 

Looking for Donald Webb steward on HMAS Melbourne in 1965 and a pom i went to school with.
regards Hambone

Wednesday 26 December 2007  Bill Krause   email mkrause@bigpond.net.au

I've had a request to locate QMG Barry Evans.  He served in HMAS Voyager around 1960-62 and was a good rugby player and a good diver..  Contact Les Sheehan lnis@iinet.net.au

Sunday 9 December 2007     Mitch Miller     email   mitchklmiller@optusnet.com.au

Message from Alan Winchcombe-

Looking for Jeffrey O'Toole from Queensland who had been posted to Rushcutters from Leeuwin 1965.

Wednesday 28 November 2007     Jeff (billy) Allen     email   jakall@internode.on.net

I joined the Melbourne in December 1962 and left in January 1965.  Bunked in 2 delta stokers mess, Ken Hubner was the mess leading hand.
can remember a few names, Ray Wilson, Shiner Wright, a ex RN 3 badge stoker Spike Jones who i think went on to submarines, Dennis Wigg , Andy Anderson.
Met up with Ray Wilson last year when he called into Whyalla S.Aus. on his way back to Sydney from Perth.
he spent 2 days here remonising, Me & the dragon (jackie the wife) took Ray on board the H.M.A.S. Whyalla which
was the first of 4 corvettes built in the whyalla shipyards for world war 2, she has been dragged about 2 kilometers from
the harbour to the maritime museum next to the highway, looks good as you drive past.
Ray And me were talking about a run ashore in Hong kong  ,the wife did not say a great deal but must have been thinking
that we were not the young sightseeing lads we told her we were.
I served with Ray on the Gascoyne, Sydney and Melbourne, then Ray spent many years on submarines.
All the best to all,
Jeff (billy) Allen

Tuesday 20 November 2007     Mitch Miller     email   mitchklmiller@optusnet.com.au

Message from David Watts -
G'day to you all,    I am URGENTY looking for a EX PO/CPO/WOMTP Garry William BALLHAUSE R/42901 who servied in HMAS SWAN during the period of 24th May 1971 to 17 December 1973.Can you please use your net work to assist me with this matter.I thank you all for your time in this matter.
If you are able to assist please contact David Watts direct on the following email: hmashobart@westnet.com.au or phone China Hammal - 02.4382.3696

Friday 16 November 2007     Bob Burchill     email   rburchill@bigpond.com

CPO Handler Kevin Kelly passed away 1500 Wed 14 Nov 07.contact for more information 

Wednesday 14 November 2007     Bill Krause     email   mkrause@bigpond.net.au

Message from Peter Maher, Secretary, HMAS BRISBANE Association.

It is with regret that the HMAS BRISBANE Association advises of the passing of a shipmate.        R27832 CPOFC Peter Dewar, Age 80, was the Action Gun Plot Officer in HMAS BRISBANE for the second Vietnam deployment.              He was also the ship's "Bookie"!                    As Peter was not a member of the Association, we are unable to provide details of the date or cause of his passing.            May you have blue skies and gentle breezes,  Wherever you may roam. Rest in Peace shipmate.

Wednesday 31 October 2007     Peter Mills     email   pete.lil@bigpond.com

I was an ABAVN (regulator) on VS816 Squadron.   Only spent time onboard Melbourne when posted on a advance party for CAG (sprucing up 4C mess) and when CAG was embarked.   My main task, when embarked on the old lady, was as a hanger controller. Spent many quite nights in the hanger control position.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 13 October 2007     J. Maverick Garner     email   angela.garner@optusnet.com.au

Medal Entitlements

Hi. Cook {s}   J. Maverick Garner here. HMAS>Melbourne 1958-59. Would urge every Member who served on the old flat top during the Malay Emergency (FESR) go to this Website. As a lot of things have been changed regarding the Awarding of service medals for that Era. And you could be missing out on some of the Medals you are Entitled to.As this government will not voluntarily pass this information on to you. 

Regards, your old Shipmate, Maverick.

 

Sunday 9 September 2007     Dennis Allnutt     email   dgallnut@bigpond.com 

Memories......   The Demise of Jack Tar

The traditional male sailor was not defined by his looks. He was defined by his attitude; his name was Jack Tar. He was a happy go lucky sort of a bloke; he took the good times with the bad.  He didn't cry victimisation, discrimination or for his mum when things didn't go his way.  He took responsibility for his own, sometimes, self-destructive actions.  He loved a laugh at anything or anybody. Rank, gender, race, creed or behaviour, it didn't matter to Jack, he would take the piss out of anyone, including himself. If someone took it out of him he didn't get offended; it was a natural part of life. If he offended someone else, so be it. Free from many of the rules of polite society, Jack's manners were somewhat rough. His ability to swear was legendary.  He would stand up for his mates. Jack was extravagant with his support to those he thought needed it. He may have been right or wrong, but that didn't matter. Jack's mate was one of the luckiest people alive.  Jack loved women. He loved to chase them to the ends of the earth and sometimes he even caught one. (Less often than he would have you believe though) His tales of the chase and its conclusion win or lose, is the stuff of legends. Jack's favourite drink was beer, and he could drink it like a fish. His actions when inebriated would, on occasion, land him in trouble. But, he took it on the chin, did his punishment and then went and did it all again.  Jack loved his job. He took an immense pride in what he did. His radar was always the best in the fleet. His engines always worked better than anyone else's. His eyes could spot a contact before anyone else's and shoot at it first. It was a matter of personal pride. Jack was the consummate professional when he was at work and sober.  He was a bit like a mischievous child. He had a gleam in his eye and a larger than life outlook.  He was as rough as guts. You had to be pig headed and thick skinned to survive. He worked hard and played hard. His masters tut-tutted at some of his more exuberant expressions of joie de vivre, and the occasional bout of number 9's or stoppage let him know where his limits were.
The late 20th Century and on, has seen the demise of Jack. The workplace no longer echoes with ribald comment and bawdy tales. Someone is sure to take offence. Where as, those stories of daring do and ingenuity in the face of adversity, usually whilst pissed, lack the audacity of the past. A wicked sense of humour is now a liability, rather than a necessity. Jack has been socially engineered out of existence. What was once normal is now offensive. Denting someone else's over inflated opinion of their own self worth is now a crime.  And so a culture dies...

Saturday 8 September 2007   Bomber Browning  email   wassab@bigpond.net.au  

Fwd -->   Just recieved news that Bluey Sedgwick has passed away. If you let all know i would greatly appreciate it.  Regards Nobby Clark

Wednesday 5 September 2007   Jeff Tolson  email  jeff.tolson@honeywell.com

Joined HMAS Melbourne Jan 1980.   Feel free to drop a line or two.  Cheers.

Thursday 30 August 2007   Trev Ruting  email   truting@bigpond.com  

I’d be most pleased to be able to save the Association postage fees by receiving the lively and informative newsletter by e-mail in the future.

It is also timely that I advise that I’ve just ‘retired’ from Permanent Navy (and transferred to Standby Reserve) having completed some 39.6 years in PNF that included almost four years in MELBOURNE II (carrier) during 1974-75, 76-78 and late 1981 (as the last Flight Deck Engineer Officer in RAN perhaps). This naval service has also precluded me from getting to Sydney for ANZAC Day marches since 2002 (tied up with Canberra and area commemorations) but I’ll now be free to march with the Association (out of uniform).

Monday 27 August 2007   Mick Parker  email  michaelparker57@bigpond.com

Did the trips to pick up trackers in 77 to San Diego and the Silver Jubilee visit to UK. Best time ever had. To Glenn Cochrane, I was one of the poor buggers told to stand on the ensign when it fell as the Queen was passing.  Joined Melbourne 1976 to 1978.

Monday 27 August 2007   Garry Shearer  email shearmagik@bigpond.com

Was a greenie. Best time i had in the Navy. Lived in 3n Electrical right next to the Generator. Best crew and best memories. Joined HMAS Melbourne 1980 until she went over to graveyard

Monday 27 August 2007   Bob King  email dook60@bigpond.net.au  

Was "chuffed" by the sight of the photo of "Harry's Cafe"

Good on you "Bomber" for sending it in - makes an old sailor smile at the memories this brings.

Friday 20 July 2007   Matt Sims  email c.m.sims@bigpond.com

My father was in Fleet Air Arm. Moving between HMAS Albatross and HMAS Melbourne 62-83. Served as an aircraft mechanic on Skyhawks. Was on the old girl when she collided with the Voyager as well as the loss of aircraft. Did trips to and from Vietnam before being posted to Helicopter Flight Vietnam. I can understand why you all have fond memories of her, I was just a child and I have never gotten over my love of carriers. Dad left the navy in 83 as a W.O. Keep well guys the mateship you all share is great. I would love to hear from anyone that remembers Len Sims and I can pass on info to him.

Monday 16 July 2007 2:13 PM   John R Jones JP  email  jones86@bigpond.com.au or gvvs@bigpond.com.au

To whom it may concern,
I am a pension officer at the Goulburn Valley Veterans Service in Victoria.
I am currently assisting an ex member of the Aircraft Carrier Melb.
With a claim to D.V.A. He served in the Navy from 1966-1975.
The question I ask is where can my client seek ex members or how can he make contact with them ?
He tells me that he was on the Carrier Melb. when it hit the.    USS. Frank.E. Evans. any help would be appreciated.

Friday 13 July 2007 2:13 PM   Michael Morrissey     ubonmick@optusnet.com.au 

Think I sent you some photos of Melborne's Venom aircraft in flight over Subic previously, they would be colour jpeg if I did and if I didn't tell me and will find and send.
Found this black and white of Venoms over Subic 1958, here it is mate.  Excellent formation shot of the amazing young men in their flying machines.  Just an old RAAF type who appreciates the finer things in life! Regards,  Mick Morrissey

Sunday 8 July 2:59 am   Alec Colombo   email alec.colombo@bigpond.com

Joined HMAS Melbourne 1972

Second visit to guest book. Wanted to say G'Day to all the served on the old girl. Our mess was 4 November Port, and can still remember the noise of the catapault at night. Does anyone remember rimpac 72 with the USS Ticonderoga? God I miss those good old days. Bye guys, stay safe.

Saturday 23 June 2007  11:57 am  Wayne Baldwin  email   bilgerat60@yahoo.com.au

HMAS Melbourne 1967-1969

Yeah Jessie you didn't do to bad yourself, haha. Gee are we really that old now or just approaching second childhood. Hope your in good health mate. Baldy

Thursday 21 June 2007 1:36pm  Jesse James     email      kerryjames@iinet.net.au

HMAS Melbourne 1967 to 1970

G,day to bawdy and richo,one who had a rope and jumped over the side and thought he was tarzan and the other went over the side for a quiet swim all those years ago in the pacific.

Saturday 2 June 2007 3:52pm   Joe Kaposi   email  jkaposi@hotmail.com

HMAS Melbourne  Late 77 till late 79.

Always looking for more home video of carrier flying, if you have some say hi.

Monday 21 May 2007 4:50 pm   Wayne (Baldy) Baldwin email bilgerat60@yahoo.com.au

HMAS Melbourne 1967 - 1969

Hi Guys,Been awhile since i've checked inn. Good to see some familiar names. Hi Jessie James, good old 2papa2 port eh

Monday 14 May 2007 4:16am   Alec Colombo   email  alec.colombo@bigpond.com

Joined HMAS Melbourne in April 1972. Ordinary Seaman
Number R112214

Thursday 26 April 2007 8:00pm   JESSE JAMES    email  KERRYJAMES@IINET.NET.AU

HMAS Melbourne  1967 TO 1970 ,1975 TO 1977

ON BOARD AS A ME2 1967 AND COME OFF JAN AS A ME1 TO DO MTD COURSE, BACK ON AS A LSMTP IN 1975 AND PAID OFF 1977 IN APRIL.wAS FLIGHT DECK ENGINEERING FUEL QUALTY CONTROL. lIVED IN 2PAPA PORT WHEN I PAID OFF. GOING TO THE REUNION IN 2009 AT BRISBANE

 

Thursday 26 April 2007 4:06pm    Jocelyn Morgan     Scottmorg3@bigpond.com

My dad was on board when the Melbourne was commissioned 1955. He passed away in '68. I was interested in checking out some of his history. He was Chief Petty Officer John Riley.He was an engineer I think? Did anyone know him?

Monday 9 April 2007 0:45am  Paul Jones (Mick Spike Jones)        email  p.e.j@bigpond.net.au

Hi My Father Served on Melbourne. Mick (Spike) Jones. Served as a stoker then transfered to Naval Police. If anyone knows my father please get in touch.

Posted 3 times between 66 and 74?

Saturday24 March 2007 1:02pm   Robert (Shep) Shepperd     email            shega@bigpond.com

HMAS Melbourne 1967, 1968. 1969

Interested in speaking with former shipmates who served on board HMAS Melbourne in 1969 when the MELBOURNE hit the USS Frank E Evans.

Thursday 22 March 2007 4:01 pm   Peter Kroon           email  millview@rbe.net.au

HMAS Melbourne 1963 -1966 1967-1969

Joined Melbourne as an M(e)2 and eventually left her as a PO and with a couple of courses in between spent 5 1/2 Years on her .Survived both crashes and did the 1965 Vietnam trip. Then they had the nerve to ask me to sign on.However ,Joined SWAN late 69 and commisioned her and was asked again to sign on but NO WAY as I would have been sent back to Melbourne .

Sunday 25 February 2007 8:14pm       Robert Trower       email     trower@cjtech.com.au

HMAS Melbourne 1960-1961-1965-1966

some very fond memiores

Sat 10 Feb 2007 4:02 PM     Vince Fazio     email :  vrfazio@optusnet.com.au

I joined the good ship in December 1956 after a stint at Nirimba, which included being the first Divisional P O for some of the first intake of apprentices.  I remained in the ship until August 1958, having been landed twice (Petty Officers Leadership Course and later HET Course).

My next stint started in July 1969 after another stint at Nirimba ( much better this time as I had two stripes in exchange for two hooks) and remained until December 1971.  Melbourne was my last ship and I left her with mixed emotions thinking of the good times and the other not so good ones.   Still, I'm glad I had the opportunity to have had a top team of chippies with me and we certainly held our own with the other branches in the ship.

Vince Fazio (Shipwright Lt Rtd) 

Sun 4 Feb 2007 7:38 PM     Greg Kiely     email :  greg.kiely@pacific.net.au

Re: HMAS Melbourne 

I had four very good years on the Melbourne from Apr 75 - Apr 79.  I have two photos which the Association may like a copy.   The first is a shot of MELBOURNE, in 1976 during Skippy II.   She is in Hervey Bay, turning away from Enterprise.  The second has MELBOURNE in Pearl Harbour, I think around March 78, She is berthed on a finger wharf, and adjacent either the Constellation or Kittyhawk.  From memory, this was a forced stop over for 24 hours, as the SUPPLY had mechanical trouble.

Greg Kiely 

 

 

Fri 26 Jan 2007 1:36 AM     Dave Rickard     email :  drrickard@esc.net.au

Re: Date of HMAS Melbourne Association AGM on 17 February 2007

17th February 1942: Commodore J.A. Collins formed the Sunda Strait Auxiliary Patrol to prevent infiltration landings on Java.
       (Refer page 11 of my Navy Almanac! - I'm sure you have one...)

 

Dave Rickard    (Adelaide)
   

Sun 14 Jan 2007 9:23 PM     Dennis Allnut     email :  djallnut@austarnet.com.au

Indonesian Confrontation, 1963 to 1966 

Seems a few of us can relate to this vintage.    For interest sake and HMAS Melbourne Ass.

Dennis Allnutt

Extract from Reference on Indonesian Confrontation  -->  http://users.qld.chariot.net.au/~dialabull/confrontation.htm

Log book entries from HMAS Melbourne shows that on Tuesday 6th. March 1962, Call the Hands was at 0535 (normally 0640) and the ship went to action stations at 0600....    

Tue 9 Jan 2007 9:19 PM     Dean (Dino) Gedling     email :  sicambre@optusnet.com.au

Great to see the site going well. I don't spend much time on the puter of a night because I spend all day looking at a laptop for my work.
  Well done to those who are continuing Vern's efforts to establish a forum for those who have had an association with one of the MELBOURNES.
  Look forward to catching up with everyone on on ANZAC Day in Sydney             Dino Ex Na Phot R63604
 

Sat 6 Jan 2007 10:58 PM               Bob King         email :  dook60@bigpond.net.au

Thanks Bob - great stuff

R51986   Ex Melbourne 2

1958 to 1960  Able Seaman Radar

Finished 10/61 after recovery from an accident [snapped tug wire on quarterdeck of 'Melbourne"] whilst leaving Outer Harbour, Adelaide leap day 1960.

Lost right leg & right hand.

Sat 6 Jan 2007 5:01 PM                Tony Horton    email : thorton@bigpond.net.au

Well done Bob

Sunday 12/24/2006 9:57:42pm
Name: Greg Kiely
Homepage:
E-Mail: gregory.kiely@defence.gov.au
Referred By: Just Surfed In
City/Country: Australia
Comments: Consider the four years, out of 24, especially with the Spit Head trip, Hawaii (three times and West Coast US (once)the best time I had in Pussers, Paid off in 98.
Joined HMAS Melbourne when: Apr 75-Apr79




 
Sunday 12/24/2006 3:40:27pm
Name: Peter Kroon
Homepage:
E-Mail: millview@rbe.net.au
Referred By: Just Surfed In
City/Country: Auburn South Australia
Comments:
Joined HMAS Melbourne when: 1963-1967 1968-1969




 
Monday 12/18/2006 11:28:33am
Name: Ian McClure
Homepage: http://au.geocities.com/ianj008/index1.html
E-Mail: ianmcclure40@hotmail.com
Referred By: Just Surfed In
City/Country: NSW Australia
Comments: Just like to wish everyone a Merry & safe Christmas and a great New Year.
Joined HMAS Melbourne when: 1967




 
Tuesday 12/05/2006 2:02:20am
Name: Rob Snow
Homepage:
E-Mail: robsnow@tpg.com.au
Referred By: Just Surfed In
City/Country: Collingwood Park, Queensland
Comments: Did my apprenticeship at Nirimba (Chippy) posted to Melbourne, Rimpac '78, Tasman ex 79 was also onboard when they lost the sea king and skyhawk in the one day. Lived in 4H mess, D.Martin skipper, played in soccer team (great team) great times!
Joined HMAS Melbourne when: 1978-79




 
Tuesday 11/21/2006 12:48:59am
Name: John Frederick Cousens
Homepage:
E-Mail: johnfc1@optusnet.com.au
Referred By: Just Surfed In
City/Country: Springwood , Queensland , Australia
Comments: Does anyone remember my father ?
'Frederick Thomas Cousens '
PO sick birth attendent
13.3.57 / 11.9.58
Joined HMAS Melbourne when: 13.3.57 till 11.9.58