the Senior Service & I
I first sampled military life as a youngster when, in the late 50's & early 60's, my Dad took me regularly to his Dry Cleaning depot at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka. We would go out there often and I met some really different men. In town they stood out from other men, and not just because of their uniforms. It was something else, confidence, and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Years later I worked as a Cadet Photographer for a studio in Wagga and, at Kapooka, photographed the National Servicemen for their ID cards. I also photographed the graduating apprentice groups at RAAF Forrest Hill. So I got to see a good deal of life in the military.
I first sampled military life as a youngster when, in the late 50's & early 60's, my Dad took me regularly to his Dry Cleaning depot at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka. We would go out there often and I met some really different men. In town they stood out from other men, and not just because of their uniforms. It was something else, confidence, and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Years later I worked as a Cadet Photographer for a studio in Wagga and, at Kapooka, photographed the National Servicemen for their ID cards. I also photographed the graduating apprentice groups at RAAF Forrest Hill. So I got to see a good deal of life in the military.
I registered for National Service in 1971 and believing that the "Domino Theory" was real
and a threat to our democracy, I was prepared to go to Vietnam if the cards fell that way.
But on "Call up night" the marble with my birthdate, didn't drop from the barrel.
Birthdates drawn in the fourteenth National Service ballot: 17 September 1971
Men included in the ballot who were born in the period 1 July 1951 to 31 December 1951.
July 1, 9, 10, 12, 13, 17, 21, 22, 26, 31
August 1, 6, 7, 10, 21, 24, 27, 30
September 4, 8, 10, 14, 21, 23, 28, 29
October 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 16, 20, 22, 25
November 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 22, 27, 28, 30
December 7, 8, 9, 16, 21, 28, 29, 31
Several of my mates were called up though. Military life appealed to me, but I didn’t make up my mind to join one of the services until I bit the bullet and confronted an issue I'd always known existed..........
I needed broader horizons than those I could see from Wagga.
So, in 1973 I applied to join the Navy as a recruit photographer. Once accepted, I waited for around 2 years for a vacancy in the photographic branch and eventually joined in January 1976. I signed up, swore an oath to Queen and Country in Sydney and was then railroaded (on the Southern Aurora, right through Wagga at about 3AM) to Melbourne for recruit training at HMAS Cerberus on Western Port Bay.
I left there fitter than I had ever been and I felt pretty chuffed with the way I saw myself and the way I felt.
It was obvious that recruit training had made a man of me.
and a threat to our democracy, I was prepared to go to Vietnam if the cards fell that way.
But on "Call up night" the marble with my birthdate, didn't drop from the barrel.
Birthdates drawn in the fourteenth National Service ballot: 17 September 1971
Men included in the ballot who were born in the period 1 July 1951 to 31 December 1951.
July 1, 9, 10, 12, 13, 17, 21, 22, 26, 31
August 1, 6, 7, 10, 21, 24, 27, 30
September 4, 8, 10, 14, 21, 23, 28, 29
October 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 16, 20, 22, 25
November 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 22, 27, 28, 30
December 7, 8, 9, 16, 21, 28, 29, 31
Several of my mates were called up though. Military life appealed to me, but I didn’t make up my mind to join one of the services until I bit the bullet and confronted an issue I'd always known existed..........
I needed broader horizons than those I could see from Wagga.
So, in 1973 I applied to join the Navy as a recruit photographer. Once accepted, I waited for around 2 years for a vacancy in the photographic branch and eventually joined in January 1976. I signed up, swore an oath to Queen and Country in Sydney and was then railroaded (on the Southern Aurora, right through Wagga at about 3AM) to Melbourne for recruit training at HMAS Cerberus on Western Port Bay.
I left there fitter than I had ever been and I felt pretty chuffed with the way I saw myself and the way I felt.
It was obvious that recruit training had made a man of me.
While waiting for an RAAF Photographic course to start, all 3 of we Recruit Phots (Keith McCarron, Wayne Bell & I) were sent to HMAS Albatross, Naval Air Station, Nowra, for duties in the Jimmy’s yard and after a few weeks of painting gutters, mowing lawns, running errands, etc; we were eventually posted to RAAF East Sale to begin our Photographic training.
Ten months later, we were finally qualified "Seaman* Photographers", and eager to get rid of the *,
which meant sea time. I became then, one of only 34 RAN Photographers.
While Wayne and Keith were posted to HMAS Kuttabul, in Sydney,
I was really pleased when I heard the news that I'd been posted to the ‘Tross (Nowra) again, because I knew my way around the depot and I liked the town.
The day I posted in was the day after 817 Squadron had lost nearly all of their S2 Grumman Trackers in a deliberately lit fire, which also destroyed a large hanger.
Ten months later, we were finally qualified "Seaman* Photographers", and eager to get rid of the *,
which meant sea time. I became then, one of only 34 RAN Photographers.
While Wayne and Keith were posted to HMAS Kuttabul, in Sydney,
I was really pleased when I heard the news that I'd been posted to the ‘Tross (Nowra) again, because I knew my way around the depot and I liked the town.
The day I posted in was the day after 817 Squadron had lost nearly all of their S2 Grumman Trackers in a deliberately lit fire, which also destroyed a large hanger.
That morning, I reported to the Photographic/PR Officer (for the first time), who said to me
“Boy, have I got just the job for you”
and I instantly became the Official Photographer for the Board of Enquiry.
(See the PDF link at the bottom of the page for my recollections of this major event)
A few months later I was sent to sea for the first time, posted to the aircraft carrier,
HMAS Melbourne, for "work-up's" prior to attending RIMPAC '78 exercises, based out of Pearl Harbor.
I’d just become engaged to Sandy who I met at work. She was a SWRROT, (Senior WRAN Radio Operator Teletype) and leaving her behind for those months made the deployment difficult.
We were married after my sea time was over, (the day following her discharge) settled down in Bomaderry and started making a family.
I was later posted to the "Carrier Air Group" as the CAG Able Seaman PHOT (which meant that I followed the ship-borne Squadrons around) and it was obvious I’d be going to sea again, soon.
“Boy, have I got just the job for you”
and I instantly became the Official Photographer for the Board of Enquiry.
(See the PDF link at the bottom of the page for my recollections of this major event)
A few months later I was sent to sea for the first time, posted to the aircraft carrier,
HMAS Melbourne, for "work-up's" prior to attending RIMPAC '78 exercises, based out of Pearl Harbor.
I’d just become engaged to Sandy who I met at work. She was a SWRROT, (Senior WRAN Radio Operator Teletype) and leaving her behind for those months made the deployment difficult.
We were married after my sea time was over, (the day following her discharge) settled down in Bomaderry and started making a family.
I was later posted to the "Carrier Air Group" as the CAG Able Seaman PHOT (which meant that I followed the ship-borne Squadrons around) and it was obvious I’d be going to sea again, soon.
...... and yes, I sailed into Pearl Harbour again, for another RIMPAC exercise aboard HMAS Melbourne,
the fighting flattop. But because my love life was more settled, this deployment was much more tolerable, possibly even enjoyable, although I did miss my new son and his mum terribly.
the fighting flattop. But because my love life was more settled, this deployment was much more tolerable, possibly even enjoyable, although I did miss my new son and his mum terribly.
Hawaii, RIMPAC & Pearl Harbour.....
Eventually the sea time came to an end and I was back in Nowra, posted to RANAS again. I was beginning to really like the place and felt quite comfortable there, knowing my way around and with a good knowledge of the routines of the depot.
Because I had an empathy with the FAA Museum, I became the custodian of the Fleet Air Arms Historical Negative Collection. I had no idea then, that later this would help lead me to a complete career change.
Because I had an empathy with the FAA Museum, I became the custodian of the Fleet Air Arms Historical Negative Collection. I had no idea then, that later this would help lead me to a complete career change.
Several months on and I was again posted to the Carrier Air Group, this time as the CAG Leading Seaman Photographer, since I had gained promotion. I was considered to be a “Mickey Mouse Kellick” which meant that I had gained my Leading Seaman status inside of 4 years, considered very unusual.
It was at about this time when I was called over to the Control Tower where "Commander Air", Bob Ray, asked me to consider changing over to become an SD Officer. I was chuffed that they thought this much of me, but upon closer investigation, it meant leaving photography altogether. This and the likelihood of being posted to the UK whilst training, turned me off the idea. I respectfully declined and instead, I set my sights on becoming a qualified Photographic Interpreter, which also meant UK training, but at least I'd stay with Photography.
It was at about this time when I was called over to the Control Tower where "Commander Air", Bob Ray, asked me to consider changing over to become an SD Officer. I was chuffed that they thought this much of me, but upon closer investigation, it meant leaving photography altogether. This and the likelihood of being posted to the UK whilst training, turned me off the idea. I respectfully declined and instead, I set my sights on becoming a qualified Photographic Interpreter, which also meant UK training, but at least I'd stay with Photography.
Eventually CAG joined Melbourne again for a South East Asian deployment.
A major flag waving exercise, or better known as an “up top jolly”. It was on this deployment that some of the highlights of my naval career took place. I was chosen to take part in an exchange posting with an American Naval Photographer from the USS Midway. I joined Midway in Fremantle in 1981 and completed an Indian Ocean patrol before being relieved in Subic Bay, Philippines. This exchange posting was certainly an eye opener and I made many friends on that ship.
A major flag waving exercise, or better known as an “up top jolly”. It was on this deployment that some of the highlights of my naval career took place. I was chosen to take part in an exchange posting with an American Naval Photographer from the USS Midway. I joined Midway in Fremantle in 1981 and completed an Indian Ocean patrol before being relieved in Subic Bay, Philippines. This exchange posting was certainly an eye opener and I made many friends on that ship.
During that same deployment and while I was doing some extremely high powered lens work on the
Hong Kong / Chinese border, my daughter, Fiona was born.
Sandy and I were expecting before I had left Sydney and we decided then, NOT to pull any compassionate swifties, which was a practice looked down on, but common, in those days.
I couldn’t wait to see my new little girl and felt a little less anxious about the whole deal knowing that our parents were keeping a close eye on things. Sandy’s Mum had travelled from Fiji to help.
Hong Kong / Chinese border, my daughter, Fiona was born.
Sandy and I were expecting before I had left Sydney and we decided then, NOT to pull any compassionate swifties, which was a practice looked down on, but common, in those days.
I couldn’t wait to see my new little girl and felt a little less anxious about the whole deal knowing that our parents were keeping a close eye on things. Sandy’s Mum had travelled from Fiji to help.
The trip dragged on and on, with a week in Manilla, a week in Subic Bay, 3 weeks in Hong Kong,
3 weeks in Singapore and a week in Darwin.
It was while we were sailing from "Honkers" to "Singas" that we sighted 99 desperate Vietnamese Refugees in a sinking boat, the "Nghia Hung". In an epic rescue at sea, we took them all on board, without a single loss or injury, made them comfortable, gave them medical attention where necessary and put them off at Singapore. (see "MG99" on the menu above for the full story)
3 weeks in Singapore and a week in Darwin.
It was while we were sailing from "Honkers" to "Singas" that we sighted 99 desperate Vietnamese Refugees in a sinking boat, the "Nghia Hung". In an epic rescue at sea, we took them all on board, without a single loss or injury, made them comfortable, gave them medical attention where necessary and put them off at Singapore. (see "MG99" on the menu above for the full story)
ANZAC day in Brisbane. Commodore Mike Hudson, Melbournes Captain, was exiting his car when he caught his medals on the door opening/roof gutter and tore them from his tunic. The young lady door opener quickly attended to his dilema to applause from the large crowd. Commodore Hudson scowled at me as I reached across the car's roof to take the photo, but later ordered several prints.
Rear Admiral John Stevens and his wife Gloria.
I took their photo standing on Melbourne's Bridge Wing during a family day at sea later in 1981.
When he retired from the RAN, he decided that he would like to learn a little about Photography and my colleagues and I were assigned the task of teaching him. He wrote it off as "Resettlement Training." LOL.
We had a couple of sessions in Melbourne's darkrooms and my initial nervousness soon dissipated, because you couldn't meet a nicer man.
Its one of my favourite photos from that time in my career.
When I finally did get to see my small family again they were such a sight for sore eyes. It was a wonderful, unforgettable moment in my life, seeing my 6 week old daughter for the first time and how much my nearly 2 year old son had grown.
Eventually, after a few more, shorter deployments, (Kangaroo '81 and Sea Eagle '81 exercises)
my time with CAG was coming to an end and at about this time, war in the Falklands broke out.
We were on standby to go to the South Atlantic at the drop of a hat. The ship was stored and we were all geared up for the deployment and what might lay ahead. However, even though the Kiwis sent a ship or two, for some reason, Australia didn’t. But we were ready anyway, just in case the call came.
Politically, the writing was on the wall for HMAS Melbourne too.
Bob Hawke had come to power and despite his promises to the contrary, he disbanded the fixed wing element of the Fleet Air Arm. The writing was on the wall for all but rotary wing naval airmen.
Virtually all of my time in the Navy had been spent linked with the Fleet Air Arm, and I was proud of it. Likewise, ALL of my specialist training was FAA biased and fixed wing biased at that.
I had become the very last CAG Phot.
Hawke had effectively ruined and ended my naval career. The planned 20 years was to become just 9.
By now I'd been fully qualified for promotion to Petty Officer for quite some time,
but with the new Governments cutbacks, promotion looked a very long way away and
the situation helped with my decision not to re-engage.
So when they called for volunteers for an upcoming posting to the Australian War Memorial
(a brand new billet) my hand went up in an instant..... and I got it.
I was posted to HMAS Harman for duties at the AWM.
It turned out that retired Admiral, Sir Anthony Synnott, was Chairman of the Council of the AWM.
When, during a major rebuilding programme, it became evident that the AWM needed an additional photographer, but didn’t have the funds to pay for one, Sir Anthony pulled a few strings and organised to have a surplus naval airman photographer (me) loaned to the organisation.
Part of the Memorials rebuilding campaign included new Photographic darkrooms and I was pleased to be involved in their design and implementation.
I worked at the AWM until my Navy engagement expired, in civilian clothes, and it’s my belief that I was probably the only Australian serving military member working "flex time", at that time.
I really enjoyed my time at the AWM. It proved to be a stepping stone into the public service and the start of another chapter of my life where I reached the dizzying heights of Senior Photographer at the Australian National Gallery....... one of the best photographic jobs in the country, but that's yet another story.
Eventually, after a few more, shorter deployments, (Kangaroo '81 and Sea Eagle '81 exercises)
my time with CAG was coming to an end and at about this time, war in the Falklands broke out.
We were on standby to go to the South Atlantic at the drop of a hat. The ship was stored and we were all geared up for the deployment and what might lay ahead. However, even though the Kiwis sent a ship or two, for some reason, Australia didn’t. But we were ready anyway, just in case the call came.
Politically, the writing was on the wall for HMAS Melbourne too.
Bob Hawke had come to power and despite his promises to the contrary, he disbanded the fixed wing element of the Fleet Air Arm. The writing was on the wall for all but rotary wing naval airmen.
Virtually all of my time in the Navy had been spent linked with the Fleet Air Arm, and I was proud of it. Likewise, ALL of my specialist training was FAA biased and fixed wing biased at that.
I had become the very last CAG Phot.
Hawke had effectively ruined and ended my naval career. The planned 20 years was to become just 9.
By now I'd been fully qualified for promotion to Petty Officer for quite some time,
but with the new Governments cutbacks, promotion looked a very long way away and
the situation helped with my decision not to re-engage.
So when they called for volunteers for an upcoming posting to the Australian War Memorial
(a brand new billet) my hand went up in an instant..... and I got it.
I was posted to HMAS Harman for duties at the AWM.
It turned out that retired Admiral, Sir Anthony Synnott, was Chairman of the Council of the AWM.
When, during a major rebuilding programme, it became evident that the AWM needed an additional photographer, but didn’t have the funds to pay for one, Sir Anthony pulled a few strings and organised to have a surplus naval airman photographer (me) loaned to the organisation.
Part of the Memorials rebuilding campaign included new Photographic darkrooms and I was pleased to be involved in their design and implementation.
I worked at the AWM until my Navy engagement expired, in civilian clothes, and it’s my belief that I was probably the only Australian serving military member working "flex time", at that time.
I really enjoyed my time at the AWM. It proved to be a stepping stone into the public service and the start of another chapter of my life where I reached the dizzying heights of Senior Photographer at the Australian National Gallery....... one of the best photographic jobs in the country, but that's yet another story.
The RAN and I were all over and done with in just 9 years, but some of it still persists, deep within me.
When someone recently asked me why I wore only one medal, I answered saying I thought that I was very fortunate not to have more of them. I was lucky to have been born when I was and lucky to have served during a time of peace. I was too young for most of the South East Asian problems. However, believing at the time that there was a definite need to be there, I was prepared to go to Vietnam and I registered for National Service, although my marble didn’t drop. Later, for political reasons we didn’t get to the Falklands either, although we were fully prepared to go. Ship stored and all equipment readied.
I had let my engagement expire before the East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.
Maybe someday, they will start awarding medals for work performed during the “Cold War”. That's not likely, but I did quite a bit there.
Joined RAN;
January 1976
Ships and postings;
HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Albatross, HMAS Melbourne, Carrier Air Group, USS Midway, HMAS Harmon.
Additionally I have worked at/on;
HMAS Creswell, HMAS Kuttabul, HMAS Penguin, HMAS Parramatta, Torpedo Recovery Vessel, USS Kittyhawk, USS Enterprise & USS Blue Ridge, RAAF East Sale, RAAF Laverton, Main Naval Stores Zetland, Russell Offices and Australian War Memorial,
I have flown in;
Iroquois, Kiowa, Wessex, Sea-King, Sea Knight and Chinook helicopters
along with AerMacchi, Hawker Siddley 748, DC3 Dakota and Grumman S2 Tracker, fixed wing aircraft.
Discharged;
January 1985. (Thanks to Bob Hawke. Should have been January 1996)
Medals & decorations;
Australian Defence Medal.
When someone recently asked me why I wore only one medal, I answered saying I thought that I was very fortunate not to have more of them. I was lucky to have been born when I was and lucky to have served during a time of peace. I was too young for most of the South East Asian problems. However, believing at the time that there was a definite need to be there, I was prepared to go to Vietnam and I registered for National Service, although my marble didn’t drop. Later, for political reasons we didn’t get to the Falklands either, although we were fully prepared to go. Ship stored and all equipment readied.
I had let my engagement expire before the East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.
Maybe someday, they will start awarding medals for work performed during the “Cold War”. That's not likely, but I did quite a bit there.
- In-close intelligence gathering photography of Chinese, Vietnamese, Pakistani, North Korean & Soviet shipping in Sembewang, (Singapore), for Australian & US security organisations;
- Discrete, extreme long distance photography into China for the "Queens Own Highlanders" regiment, on the Chinese border with Hong Kong (while being closely observed by the Chinese PLA from over the border);
- Aerial photography of the Hong Kong Chinese border, supposedly for “illegal immigration” purposes, for the QOH Regiment.
- Aerial recognition photography of a surfaced Soviet submarine. For both the RAN & USN.
- Loading & unloading fixed wing reconnaissance cameras and processing and projecting the results, for the RAN, USN & US Marine Corps;
- Recognition photography of Soviet intelligence gathering aircraft for the USMC & USN.
- Recognition photography of Soviet spy ships shadowing our fleet;
Joined RAN;
January 1976
Ships and postings;
HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Albatross, HMAS Melbourne, Carrier Air Group, USS Midway, HMAS Harmon.
Additionally I have worked at/on;
HMAS Creswell, HMAS Kuttabul, HMAS Penguin, HMAS Parramatta, Torpedo Recovery Vessel, USS Kittyhawk, USS Enterprise & USS Blue Ridge, RAAF East Sale, RAAF Laverton, Main Naval Stores Zetland, Russell Offices and Australian War Memorial,
I have flown in;
Iroquois, Kiowa, Wessex, Sea-King, Sea Knight and Chinook helicopters
along with AerMacchi, Hawker Siddley 748, DC3 Dakota and Grumman S2 Tracker, fixed wing aircraft.
Discharged;
January 1985. (Thanks to Bob Hawke. Should have been January 1996)
Medals & decorations;
Australian Defence Medal.
The hangar fire. My recollections |
HMAS Albatross, (RANAS).......
(Royal Australian Naval Air Station)
(Royal Australian Naval Air Station)
In the years I spent at Albatross the local community called on us often for photographic support
and I did many different jobs. I photographed an abduction/murder scene, suicides and car accident scenes.
I also photographed drug smuggling events off and along the coast and surveillance of a terrorist training camp
deep in the bush. A wide variety of PR tasks eg; aerial coverage of floods and fires, were common.
and I did many different jobs. I photographed an abduction/murder scene, suicides and car accident scenes.
I also photographed drug smuggling events off and along the coast and surveillance of a terrorist training camp
deep in the bush. A wide variety of PR tasks eg; aerial coverage of floods and fires, were common.
A scary view from a Grumman Tracker cockpit. I didn't take this photo but I've included it to show just how difficult it must have been for the fixed wing pilots to land on the Melbourne. Once, while filming land-ons from the Flag Deck, I overheard an American A4 Skyhawk pilot refuse to do a touch and go on such a small deck saying that the Melbourne was "a floating matchbox"
Naval Stores eventually supplied the Melbourne Photographic Section with a brand new Hassleblad. They were then, without doubt, the best medium format camera & lens available, worldwide. (Apollo 11 took one to the moon) Here, CPOPH Dick Briggs and I are looking over the brand new camera right after it arrived in the section and prior to our '81 deployment. Going by the smile on my dial, we were glad to have it available for use. But, without any official training on its use, I chose not to use it on official jobs, preferring to use a well known, reliable & trusted Mamiya C330 twin lens instead. Just to cover my .....back.
USS Midway.......
April-May 1981. I was selected to take part in a USN/RAN exchange postings programme while HMAS Melbourne and the USS Midway were operating and exercising together in the Indian Ocean & Sth China Sea. I worked in both the US Navy Photographic lab and the US Marine Corps Reconnaissance lab. Its an experience I will definitely, never forget.
April-May 1981. I was selected to take part in a USN/RAN exchange postings programme while HMAS Melbourne and the USS Midway were operating and exercising together in the Indian Ocean & Sth China Sea. I worked in both the US Navy Photographic lab and the US Marine Corps Reconnaissance lab. Its an experience I will definitely, never forget.
I'm standing beside a US Marine Corps RF (Reconnaisance Fighter) Phantom. These were the fastest of all F4 Phantoms, capable of Mach 2.23 (2,260 KPH) and outrunning just about everything else. No armament or armour, no advanced warfare radar, allowing for a streamlined nose, super lightweight with really powerful Tomcat engines and a high resolution camera, as can be seen under the nose. I loaded and unloaded recon film into these cameras.
In order to take photos on the flight deck during aircraft operations, I needed to borrow the correctly coloured jacket, hence the USN rank markings. I sat on the deck between the catapults and photographed launch after launch. F4 Phantoms mostly. I actually wore out the backside of my #8s on the non-skid deck paint. This photo was taken by USN Petty Officer Dennis Brockschmidt, and I believe the other on deck shots were too.
The Geneva convention allows for something like this.....
An aircraft from a foreign power can make 2 reconnaissance passes over a ship and the 3rd (or more) is considered to be an act of aggression and action can be taken. Usually they only make one pass then leave but this guy had just made two and was being escorted away from the ship. If he'd turned around for a third he'd have been dealt with.
An aircraft from a foreign power can make 2 reconnaissance passes over a ship and the 3rd (or more) is considered to be an act of aggression and action can be taken. Usually they only make one pass then leave but this guy had just made two and was being escorted away from the ship. If he'd turned around for a third he'd have been dealt with.
One of the photographic jobs I did onboard. This is the entire Marine Corps Reconnaissance Lab crew with an F4 Phantom RF (Reconnaissance Fighter).
Obviously identifiable by its RF on the tailplane and the camera window in the longer sleeker nose cone. The lab was manned in three shifts, 24 hours a day, hence the large group. The NAVY Photo Lab also operated on a 3 shift basis, but was manned with 34 men, the same number of photographers as our entire Navy. Some RF4 Phantoms carried no weapons, had minimal armour to reduce weight and had larger, more powerful engines, so they could get in and get out quickly. Consequently, they were arguably the fastest military aircraft in the world, at the time.
USN Chief Warrant Officer Photographer Jim Sale presenting me with a going away gift, letter of appreciation, in respect of the friendship of our two Navies and Countries. (see it at the bottom of this page). Along with this, the Photo Lab crew presented me with the US Flag that flew on the ship the day it was overflown and photographed by Russian Bear aircraft, a mounted photo of the Midway surrounded by all their signatures, a pair of golden "Observer" wings, several other items that I've forgotten and a Parachute Shop made, monogrammed carry bag. Because USN photographers "specialise" in one area or another, in his speech, CWO Sale described me as "the most versatile photographer he'd ever met". I was chuffed, but I knew this tag could be applied to each and every Australian Navy Photographer.
Soviets & Refugee recovery.....
A Soviet, Moma Class, Intelligence gathering ship shadowing Melbourne June '81.
I took the photo which was published in Singapore's Straits Times on the 3rd July, my 30th birthday. Other images were published in "Janes Fighting Ships".
Off the coast of Vietnam we rescued a boatload of 99 Vietnamese Refugees. We took them to Singapore for processing before most of them continued on to Australia.
I took the majority of the pics that night and in the following days. For the full story of the rescue and more on the refugees, see the "MG99" page on this website.
Australian War Memorial.....
Air Marshall Jim Flemming was something of an Australian Hero, largely an unsung one. I've attached a file below, a tribute, that is well worth reading should you like to learn some more about this great Australian.
Jim Flemming |
References.....
The USS Midway had become a floating Museum in San Diego, so I became a member. When the admin folk learned that I once served onboard, they presented me with "Life membership" of the Museum. Very unusual for someone from a foreign power. Sandy and I visited the museum in 2015, toured the ship and were treated Royally.
.....and the Navy lives on.....
Our time in the RAN has left its mark on Sandy and I. We were both members of our local Moruya RSL Sub-Branch. Sandy has served as both Secretary and Treasurer and I as a Pensions and Welfare Officer.
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We were also the local managers/co-ordinators of of an organisation called "Honour Our Fallen".
Our task was to enlist the aid of local High School students to, about a week before ANZAC Day, place National flags , on every known resting place of every known Allied Serviceman and Woman in the area.
We looked after both the Moruya Monumental Cemetery and the Broulee Memorial Gardens for several years.
Initially we were given the location of around 50 resting places, but our investigations with War Graves, Veterans Affairs, RSL, BMG staff and the Eurobodalla Council, revealed close to 200, and growing.
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We were also the local managers/co-ordinators of of an organisation called "Honour Our Fallen".
Our task was to enlist the aid of local High School students to, about a week before ANZAC Day, place National flags , on every known resting place of every known Allied Serviceman and Woman in the area.
We looked after both the Moruya Monumental Cemetery and the Broulee Memorial Gardens for several years.
Initially we were given the location of around 50 resting places, but our investigations with War Graves, Veterans Affairs, RSL, BMG staff and the Eurobodalla Council, revealed close to 200, and growing.
Because Moruya supplied the granite for the Sydney Harbour Bridge's pylons,
we were selected to represent the town at the Centenary of ANZAC dawn service, on top of the bridge in 2015.
This was a really big deal and an incredibly moving experience.
we were selected to represent the town at the Centenary of ANZAC dawn service, on top of the bridge in 2015.
This was a really big deal and an incredibly moving experience.
In 1977 I got to photograph the Queen, officially.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia to celebrate her 25th year as Monarch and on the 8th of March, she opened the Australian Parliament, also marking the 50th anniversary of Old Parliament House. It was going to be a BIG deal for the military, so I was sent to Canberra to help out with PR work. I remember being really anxious about the job because it was going to be my first encounter with "commercial photographers", the "Press Dogs". They gave me a good working over with elbows, 'accidental' bumps, pushes in the back, etc, but I stood my ground and ended up with good photos of the event. This could well be one of mine, found on the WWW, its identical to some of the work I remember doing that day.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia to celebrate her 25th year as Monarch and on the 8th of March, she opened the Australian Parliament, also marking the 50th anniversary of Old Parliament House. It was going to be a BIG deal for the military, so I was sent to Canberra to help out with PR work. I remember being really anxious about the job because it was going to be my first encounter with "commercial photographers", the "Press Dogs". They gave me a good working over with elbows, 'accidental' bumps, pushes in the back, etc, but I stood my ground and ended up with good photos of the event. This could well be one of mine, found on the WWW, its identical to some of the work I remember doing that day.