Annie Oakley, John Shinn and Bernie Lawson


Bernie Lawson.

We survived the so called perils of a year at "Leeuwin" together and then joined HMAS Melbourne in January of 1964. It was close to Bernie’s seventeenth birthday, we were young and excited about our first cruise. We witnessed the collision between Melbourne and HMAS Voyager, spent time in Cockatoo dry dock and eventually got back to sea again in July.

Bernie was a jovial bloke, I use the term Bloke because he was a mans'
man, He enjoyed a beer with his mates and loved his footy.
Matter of fact at that time of our lives we were not supposed to frequent those premises that sold the evil drink, but being in uniform this gave us right of passage as we tried to become immune to its effects.

We walked through the Cross together for mutual protection, Bernie was a big unit for his age and I certainly appreciated it at times. He didn't mind a pie and peas at Harry's either and if Greg or Michelle have not visited this hallowed establishment then may be on this trip to Sydney.

I remember in Hong Kong when he had this giant Eagle tattooed on his chest, I tried my hardest to talk him out of it but to no avail, he was determined to have it. I suffered with him when the tattoo became septic but he braved it out in silence.

We joined HMAS Albatross later that year, Bernie became a Naval air mechanic and a good one, and because of his size he attracted a few rugby league talent scouts from the Nowra area. Not quite sure if he went to a civilian club or stayed with the Albatross team. We separated about this time I went on to Cerberus whilst Bernie joined one of the Squadrons. He was well liked and made many friends.

Over the years we didn't live in each other’s pocket, but drifted into each other every now and again. It was always a great meeting, two mates with a common history, remember this, remember that, how are you mate. As the years progressed we went our different ways with Bernie joining other squadrons to those I was on. We had a farewell drink together when he left the outfit in 1975, he had done his time and was off to the Bauxite mines of Gove.

We never met again but I heard occasionally from mutual friends at reunions and other functions how he was travelling. It was in the late nineties that I received a letter from a solicitor in Melbourne asking if I knew Bernie before and after the Voyager collision. Bernie died not long afterwards in WA. I didn't get the chance to appear in court for him or my real concern to meet up with him again.

He was a good honest man who loved his family, a good joke and a beer

Vale Bernie, always in my mind.....and in my heart. May this plaque
last forever............my friend.

/High Flight/

/Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of; wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air; Up, up the long delirious burning blue I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace, Where never lark nor even eagle flew; And while, with silent lifting mind I've trod The high, untrespassed sanctity of space Put out my hand and touched the face of God./

By tom Houldsworth 3 October 2010


James Vincent Michael Dansey

Leading Radio Operator

R94001

James Vincent Michael Dansey was born in Launceston Tasmania on the 23rd of August 1947,the third of six children to Dudley and Loris Dansey.He was raised and educated there and joined the Royal Australian Navy aged 15 on the 7th 0f July 1963.Jim had been selected to train as a junior recruit at the Junior Recruit Training Establishment at HMAS Leeuwin Fremantle WA.
After a four day train tripJim,in company with 175 other 15 and 16 year olds, arrived at Leeuwin on the 12th of July 63.
Hmas Leeuwin has been described by some as being like a private school and we as privileged students,others would beg to differ.
For Jim it was the start of a year of intensive training where he would study maths,english, physics,socialstudies,navigation,NBCD and Naval Indocrination along with the mandatory parade ground and rifle drill,sailing and boat pulling,overnight expeditions,holidays on Garden Island and plenty of sport and of course weekend leave,overnight if you had a sponsor.
Jim graduated from JRTE HMAS Leeuwin in June 1963.
Those 12 months at Leeuwin gave us some of the most memorable times of our lives and made us better people.
47 years later the 1963 JR's still meet regularly to remember our Leeuwin days and those who have gone before us.
In July 1964 Jim was posted as an ordinary seaman radio operator to HMAS Duchess,a Daring class destroyer that had been lent to the RAN following the loss of HMAS Voyager four months earlier.Six months were spent turning Duchess from RN to RAN.
In early 65 Jim,now 17 was on active service during the Indonesian confrontation of Malaysia.
Back in Australia in April , Jim was posted to HMAS Cerberus to commence his radio operators course.
On completion he was posted to HMAS Melbourne in February 66 as a radio operator/watchkeeper where he remained for the next two and a half years.During this time Jim was once again on active service in Vietnam and with the Far East Strategic Reserve.He was in Melbourne when she went to the US to pick up the Skyhawks and Trackers........a good trip.
After Melbourne Jim was posted to HMAS Cresswell at Jervis Bay.His duties here included being the RO on the Sea Air Rescue boats.He remained there for five months and was then posted to HMAS Melville at Darwin in January1969.Jim spent 12 months there then back to Cerberus for training as a Patrol Boat RO.
In March 1970 he was posted to the Attack class Patrol Boat Aware.
Jim spent 15 months in Aware and in mid 1971 he was selected for submarine training in the UK.
Jim remained in submarines for the rest of his Naval career.Jim served in Ovens,Oxley,Otway and Orion as well as HMAS Platypus.
Jim paid off on the 4th of January1979 and joined the RAAF the following day.
Jim served on the sea,under the sea and in the air.
He was a founding member of the Victorian branch of the Submarine Association.
Jim crossed the bar on the11th of May 1994.He was survived by his wife Georgie and their three daughters Katie,Emily and sarah and five siblings.
Jim was a well liked and respected member of the Royal Australian Navy and served his country well.

Dave (Spook) Cairns 3 Oct 2010


James William Donsworth
Born 29/6/47 Died 24/2/67

Jim was born on the 29th of June 1947 the eldest son of Bill and Doreen Donsworth
Jim grew up with the navy in his blood. His father Bill was a signalman on the Corvette HMAS Colac for three and a half years during the 2nd World War.
After the war Bill was actively involved in the formation and running of the HMAS Colac Association and later the Royal Australian Navy Corvettes Association.
The Donsworth house was steeped in all things naval .
In 1962 Bill encouraged Jim to apply to join the Navy through the Junior Recruit Training Establishment at HMAS Leeuwin in Western Australia .
I first met Jimmy Donsworth when we were both excited 15 year olds going through the selection process for JRTE at HMAS Rushcutter at Rushcutters Bay in Sydney in the latter half of 1962.Unfortunately we missed out on the 6th intake but were told to come back in early 1963 for consideration for the 7th intake .
We were subsequently accepted for the 7th intake and 54 of us took the oath on the 7th of July 1963.This was the start of OUR great Adventure.
We were issued with train tickets as long as your arm and taken to Central Station There we met up with the Queenslanders,
Farewelled our families boarded the train and headed off to Melbourne to pick up the Victorians and thence to Adelaide for the South Australians.
By the time we left Adelaide we had 175
15 and 16 year olds on board and still three days to go, well into our great adventure and getting our first taste of naval discipline
We arrived at HMAS Leeuwin on the 12th of JulyAnd experienced some more naval discipline. Hmas Leeuwin has been described by some as being like an exclusive private school and we as privileged students,others would beg to differ.
For Jim it was the start of a year of intensive training where he would study math,English ,physics ,social studies, navigation,seamanship, NBCD and Naval Indocrination,along with the Mandatory parade ground and rifle drill,sailing and boat pulling,overnight expeditions , holidays on Garden Island and of course weekend leave,overnight if you had a sponsor.
Sport played a prominent part in Jim's life at Leeuwin but soccer was his great love ,he excelled at it and he continued to play it all through his naval career.He was also a good boxer as some of those here can attest.
Those 12 months at Leeuwin gave us some of the most memorable times of our lives and made us better people.
In mid 1964 Jim graduated from Leeuwin and was posted to HMAS Duchess ,a Daring Class Destroyer that had been lent to the RAN following the loss of HMAS Voyager four months earlier
Jim had posted out as an Ordinary Seaman Mechanical Engineer but soon found himself on the end of a Jason gun chipping and painting.
The crew of Duchess spent many months turning an RN ship into an RAN ship inside and out. We spent about 7 months in Melbourne refitting the ship and as 17 year olds and under age we were very keen to emulate those around us. Melbourne to us was such a big and exciting city and we wanted to experience everything it had to offer. Jim and I had some legendary runs ashore only surpassed by those in Singapore some months later.
The routine on Duchess became one of daily running, out in the morning testing and exercising all systems then back in the afternoon and off to the Club. A spick and span Duchess finally left Williamstown Dockyard early in 1965 engaging herself in working up exercises en route to Sydney . Jim's duties were typical of an Ordinary Seaman in those days cleaning,polishing and still chipping and painting .Watchkeeping duties included tricks on the wheel,the telegraphs , lifebouy sentry and lookout. Jim was one of the lucky ones and was put in the engineering watches once he went to sea,although even down the hole one had to clean,polish and chip and paint. Arriving at Garden Island in February1965,Jim had a quick reunion with his family and then he was off again with Duchess to join the
Far East Strategic Reserve at singapore. The Indonesian Confrontation of Malaysia was then in full swing and Duchess was engaged in some patrolling whilst there. Duchess finished her period on the Strategic Reserve and returned to Australia arriving in Sydney in May 1965. At this point all the Ordinary seaman were posted off to various shore depots for our branch training,Jim going to HMAS Cerberus to commence a mechanical engineers course. At Cerberus he studied everything from steam boilers,steam engines both reciprocating and turbines,evaporators,diesel engines,steam catapults,steering gear,gear boxes and anything else they could stuff in a ship that didn't shoot bullets or electrocute you.That stuff was for greenies and dib dabs.A great deal of the training was on the Castlemaine an old decommissioned corvette of world war 2 vintage,it had the best maintained engine and boiler room in the navy being constantly pulled apart and put back together again.
Jim graduated in the upper half of his class in may 1966 and was then posted to HMAS Sydney a Majestic class fast troop transport. That year saw him do one trip to Vietnam and in the latter part he was posted to HMAS Melbourne a majestic class Aircraft Carrier. Whilst on Melbourne Jim was promoted to Leading Mechanical Engineer and worked on the Flight deck's steam catapult . On the 24th 0f February 1967 after a tragic accident Jim crossed the bar, he was 19. He remained,till the end, a loving son a dedicated and committed member of the Royal australian Navy and a well liked and respected man.
At 1735 on the 21st of March 1967 Jim's ashes were scattered over the wreck of the Voyager 20 nautical miles off Point Perpendicular in the position 35 degrees 6 minutes South 151 degrees 5 minutes East. He shall grow not old
As we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary him
Nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember him.
Lest we forget







David Cairns
R93980 7th intake JRTE
HMAS Leeuwin 1963 4/3/2007



Photos provided by Mick Gallagher - A photo of the group that attended the five dedications on Sunday 3 October 2010


Chaplain Paddy Sykes and Bongo diBetta as Bongo is reading the eulogy prepared by Hector Hart for Skull Boden



4 October 2010

The dedication ceremony was held on Sunday. Bernie Lawson, Peter Walsh, Jim Dansey, Malcolm Johnston and Skull Boden were remembered and dedicated. Bernies family came over from the West, his wife Lyn, daughter Michelle, son Greg and grandson Max. Jim Dansey was also represented by two members of the Submarine Association, Jim Bryant and Geoff Anderson, he also was remembered by Army Captain Jason Urquhart (son of EXLSUC Andrew 'Butch' Urquhart) and LSCSO Trevor Hayes of HMAS DARWIN a mate of Jim's. Mal Ritchie spoke on behalf of Pete Walsh, Bongo diBetta stood in for Hector Hart on behalf of Skull Boden, Mick Gallagher stood in for Tom Houldsworth on behalf of Bernie Lawson, John Tant spoke on behalf of Malcom Johnston and I stood in for Spook Cairns to speak on behalf of Jim Dansey. Steven Martens, Larainne Tant, Larry Kent and Jo diBetta were also in attendance.

Apologies were received from Tom Houldsworth, Spook Cairns, Mike Hogan, Hector Hart, Tom Kinross, Peewee Petherick, Tank Evans, Peter Sutton, Terry Dack and Ian Schubert.



20 June 2010

Received advice from Senior Chaplain RAN Paddy Sykes the dedication ceremony for Bernie Lawson, Jim Dansey, Peter Walsh, Mal Johnston and Skull Boden will be held at 1400 on 3 October at GI Chapel.

16 May 2010
Applications has been forwarded to Command Chaplain for Mal Johnston. Still awaiting news on the dedication dates from the CC. Bongo has volunteered to sponsor a plaque for Rex Geoghan.

16 Apr 2010
Applications for dedication plaques have been forwarded for Bernie Lawson, Jim Dansie, Pete Walsh and Skull Boden. Awaiting advice on date of service from Command Chaplain. John Tant is forwarding details for Mal Johnson. The chapel at GI has a lot of scaffolding around it still, consequently I expect the service could still be a few months away.


27 March
Bernie Lawson and Jim Dansie - waiting advice. Pete Walsh's application being forwarded 28 Mar. Chasing up details for Skull Boden.

3 March,

Bernie Lawson Still awaiting advice from the Command Chaplain, expected post June 2010. An application for Jim Dansey has beeen forwarded. Pete Walsh's details are being chased up.


25 November 2009

Bernie Lawson Advice has been received from the Command Chaplain indicating the dedication service will be held in the New Year.

Dedication Plaques for Jim Dansey and Peter Walsh are going through the processes.

17 August 2009

Mike Hogan has forwarded some photos of Gary's dedication.



2 August 2009

Gary Hardman's dedication was conducted successfully on 26 July. Spook Cairns, Mike Hogan and Magoo Magnuson attended. Mick Gallagher forwarded his apologies as he was OS. Spook reports the ceremony was appreciated by Garry's family.

19 June 2009


Just received news Gary Hardman's dedication ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Garden Island Navy Chapel at 1400 on Sunday 26 July 2009. If you wish to attend please contact me at rugbyron@bigpond.com with name and car rego if applicatle by 16 July.

Dress Coat and medals



19 April 2009


We had the dedication ceremony today for Mumbles and Gary Devlin. All Gary's living relations bar one who is in the States attended the ceremony. Mike Hogan and Phil Narramore spoke on his behalf, with Phil donating the money to pay for the dedication plaque. Mumbles wife Gail and daughter Jakelin were in Queensland representing NSW in Dragon Boating. Gail has indicated she intends to visit the Chapel. Magoo spoke on behalf of Mumbles and paid for the dedication plaque. The three speakers did themselves proud.

A mistake on the service programme indicated Gary died in 1986 aged 77. Mike Hogan was looking for him under the pews. Julie, his wife reckons he is still around and arranged the typo.

Apologies were given for Schubes who is in the Middle East working and Derby Munroe who was a shipmate of both Gary and Mumbles.

Besides Mike, Phil and Magoo, other 63er's who attended were Brissles Lassau, Spook Cairns, Mick Gallagher and myself. Mick as you know has recently had a hip replacement. He is recovering rapidly, is no longer using crutches but is using a cane. Photos of the event will be included in the Dedications page of the website when Mick and Mike forward their photos.

What a good looking bunch of roosters

The Devlin family and again those roosters


Dedication Status 12 March 2009

Advice has been received the plaque dedications ceremony for Mumbles Aldenhoven and Gary Devlin will be held at the GI Chapel on Sunday 19 April at 1400. Please note the time is 1400.

If you intend attending please contact me at rugbyron@bigpond.com or tele 02 99711991 0410529797. If required, I can coordinate entry into GI. Alternately, contact Elaine Cleary at elaine.cleary@defence.gov.au or 02 9359 2782 .

Dress Coat and medals

The intention is to arrive in time to have a look at the Chapel and the dedication plaques insitu inside the chapel, on completion of the service have group photographs taken on the steps of the Chapel, then proceed to Rockers to have a farewell drink and honour our shipmates.

Please note Gary Hardman's dedication is not in this round.


cheers


Ron







Dedication Status 26 Feb 09

Forwarded information required for dedication and cheque to Command Chaplain for Gary Hardman.

Awaiting response from CC now on:

Mumbles,

Gary Devlin and

Gary Hardman

Spook looking into Jack Danzey and Tom Houldsworth looking into Bernie Lawson.


Dedication Status 14 Dec 08

Awaiting response from Command Chaplain on Dedication date for Mumbles and Gary Devlin. Julie Devlin has made contact and indicated she and her son and daughter would like to attend.

Spook Cairns made inital contact with Garry's Hardmans wife Sharon. She is very happy for dedication to continue. Jack Davey is running with eulogy; have received some help but would still like more info on Garry when he was in the Puss. When we have all info we will make application to Command Chaplain.


Have to take action on Jim Dansey

cheers

Ron





Dedication ceremonies were held for Dave Quinlan and Bill Vass on Sunday 31 August 2008.

Those of our group who attended:

Mike Hogan, Spook Cairns, Mike Shephard, Woody Woodward, Russel Dale, Doug Wilson, Jim Clegg, Mick Gallagher, Magoo Magnuson, Bongo DiBetta and myself. Apologies were received from Ian Schubert, Wayne Chapman and Brissles Lassau.

Mike Hogan spoke on behalf of Dave and Terry Rowe a Dental Sailor spoke on behalf of Bill. Both eulogies went over very well.

On completion of the service, we all had our photos taken and then Bill's ashes were scattered at the Fleet Landing which is adjacent the old Dental Surgery.

We then proceeded to the Mess. Sad to say the beer in the Mess was warm, so we had a drink, welcomed all to the Mess and the after ceremony, then went down to Rockers for lunch. Good day was had by all.


Dont forget the proforma under.........





Bank details
WESTPAC BANK
1963 REUNION HMAS LEEUWIN BSB NO 032003 Account No 307469





DEDICATION PROFORMA FOR GI CHAPEL SERVICE


Full Name………………………………………………………….……….

Date of Birth…………………

Service Number ………………….. Date Enlisted ……………………….

Date Discharged ……………………. Rank at Discharge ……………….


DRAFTS/POSTINGS and dates if known

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LIST OF HONOURS and AWARDS

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NOK details…and anyone else you would like to attend ………………
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Please return vide electronically or snail mail
h