www.ran-skilledhands.net

Blue, known to us stokers on MELBOURNE in the 60s as the Moon, passed away on 17th July this year. He joined in 1940 and paid off in 1971. He saw service in WW2, Malayan Emergency, Indonesian Confrontation and Vietnam. One of the few times he got upset was when he had his medals mounted and was then presented with the new AASM and ASM. He had to take them back so that the other medals could be added to the set. He was Reg CME on HMAS MELBOURNE (Carrier). Even thought I managed to get on the wrong side of him, he was a great Chief. He had a great sense of humour. All the best Chief, may you rest in peace.

'Blue' Orford... As a Regulating Chief a very fair man, and I am proud to have served with him.
Fair Winds and Smooth Sailing Blue.

I was a NS2 living in the POME mess 69/70 not one PO Stoker spoke ill of the Moon Man ,he also ran the book often saw him accross the passge from the Blacksmiths workshop in the arrestor gear appartment giving instructions to his henchmen to collect all bets

If there ever was a RAN Ships Company Hall of Fame Blue would be up there as the Chief Stoker

Smooth seas and fair winds Chief