A Farewell to those with whom we served...

[Chippy Ned]

I have just noticed that another First Intake MOBI has crossed the bar. H.T. Leathen R42015 was listed in the last post in Reveille.

It is always sad when an ex MOBI passes away, but it is even more sad when it is a First Termer.

[Pony]

Served with Gus at Cerberus when he was a WO in the ME school. He was a great guy and could me a bit of a stirrer at times.
RIP Gus, fair finds and following seas.

[BC]

Tom was my neighbour in the early 80's. He had already paid-off and was working as a private investigator at that time. One thing I remember was he never went far without his trusty pipe!

If I remember correctly, I think they moved down somewhere around Canberra way.

Harold Thomas Leathan R42015, joined Nirimba 29/6/56 (1st Intake) and passed out as an ERA.

He did 2 x Vietnam Trips in the "Ferry" in 1965.

According to his service records, after Nirimba he posted to Quickmatch and Sydney and in the late 60's, he went to Plats where became a submariner.

Always sad to loose one of our pioneers. My condolences go to Carol and their families.

RIP Tom.

[Chippy Ned]

Thanks Brian, nice post.

[piquet]

The Vendetta association just posted on FB that WOCoxn Tim Collins passed away this morning at approx 0515. He passed in his sleep.
Tim was feared Coxn. He was 90 yo
RIP Sir

[Robert W Moult]

Very sad to hear of the passing of WO Coxn Tim Collins, he was a straight shooter, hard but fair and a softly spoken man, with no need to raise his voice to invoke fear if you were in the wrong.
Vale Tim.

[sbjohns]

It must be the season.

I have heard from John Bolton, ex Greenie in Adelaide, that Kevin "Rock" Hudson (ex CPOETS [WE]) crossed the bar over the weekend.

Farewell Rock!

[piquet]

Well, that's enough for now three on a tree.

[BC]

Totally agree with your comments Bob. I managed to have a quiet chat with Tim about 10 years ago at an All Ships Reunion. A tough but fair man, with a reputation he didn't have to prove!

Here are some career points from his service records, up until 1970.

Timothy Collins, R28178. Joined the RAN on 16/6/46.

Major ships - Bataan x 2, Australia, Barcoo, Warrego x 2, Yarra, Perth, Vendetta. I don't have any info after 1970, except I was summoned to his office in HMAS Sydney in 73!

War Service:

Korea - Bataan (52)

Vietnam - Gun Line Tour in Vendetta (69/70) and also one escort trip into Vung Tau (Nov 70).

There were also lots of shore postings, but of interest to this site, he did time at Nirimba as MAA 67/68.

You helped make the RAN proud.

RIP Tim

[Hippy Chippy]

A farewell salute to the man who's work inspired the name of our RAN Skilled Hands Forum Website...

-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: Fwd: VALE - CMDR SDSU(W) L. G. "TUG" WILSON OAM MBE RAN RTD.
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2019 06:10:55 +1000
From: Bob Van-Kempen <bob.vankempen@me.com>

To: (Various)

Morning all

Sad news to start the day I’m afraid.

All the best

Bob

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Bob Mummery" <bandi@iinet.net.au>
Subject: VALE - CMDR SDSU(W) L. G. "TUG" WILSON OAM MBE RAN RTD.
Date: 18 July 2019 at 11:05:45 pm AEST
To: "Bob Mummery" <bandi@iinet.net.au>

Tug Wilson, a commanding Commander.

From AB Writer to Commander, Tug will be well remembered as the scribe who collated and wrote up “Skilled Hands at Sea”, the story of Australian Naval Apprentices. That work was done in his own time assisted by family and friends, and much of the work had to be undertaken by deciphering hand written records from NIRIMBA’s early days. A marvellous job well done and of which he was most proud. I was fortunate enough to have him present a signed copy to me not long before he retired from the RAN.

The remarkable “Wilson” work ethic transferred to his son David who became the Warrant Officer of the Navy 1999 – 2002, and Tug was one very proud father. Two remarkable men.

Thank you Tug

Bob Mummery

From: flocky
Sent: Thursday, 18 July 2019 5:17 PM
To: flocky
Subject: FW: LATE CMDR SDSU W. L. G. "TUG" WILSON OAM MBE RAN RTD.

Good evening all,

With profound regret I pass on the advice of CMDR W.”TUG” Wilson as detailed in the Subject above.
A very well like officer and good to work with.

RIP CMDR Wilson, sail in smooth seas and gentle breezes.

Regards,
Peter F.

Afternoon Peter,

Thought you should also know early.

Please advise your circuit, as I am sure there are a lot of WA”s troops who knew and served with Tug.

Cheers

Lew

From: Karyn and Greg Wood
Sent: Thursday, 18 July 2019 3:56 PM
To: lew
Subject: Re: LATE CMDR SDSU W. L. G. "TUG" WILSON OAM MBE RAN RTD.

Done
Sent from my iPhone

On 18 Jul 2019, at 3:44 pm, <lew55628@bigpond.com> <lew55628@bigpond.com> wrote:
Karen,
Please put on Face Book.
It is with much regret that we advise all CMDR SDSU W. L.G. “TUG” WILSON, OAM, MBE, RAN Rtd. Passed away this morning 18th July 2019.
Tug’s birthday was yesterday 17th July. His age 91.
Details of Funeral arrangements will be advised when details are advised.
Lew Horsfield.

Rest on your oars CMDR, your journey's done...
.........Thank you for recording ours... R.I.P.

........