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www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/JRMemoria13.pdf
 Junior Recruit Memorial Project
Newsletter
 
July 2009
Welcome to Newsletter Number 13
The planning for the construction and dedication of the JR Memorial continues at a
steady pace. Many aspects of the preparation for this event are now coming together
with various components of the plan now being delegated to others who will deal with
matters from within their area of expertise.
The Navy will provide the RAN Band for the ceremony along with other support
arrangements. We now have the Navy Events and Marketing Manager Lieutenant
Commander Jillian Brownlie assisting with many of the planning matters associated
with the navy’s involvement. A Navy Chaplain has also been appointed for the
ceremony.
Other matters presently being considered are the need for seating and first aid
facilities on the day as well as traffic management issues. Given the expected crowd
some consideration is being given to street closure and parking control. At this point
in time all of our planning is on track and we are meeting all milestones ahead of
time. We are confident of achieving all that we set out to do.
The weather in WA at this time of year is often inclement and with this in mind
provision has been made in our planning for wet weather and Leeuwin Barracks has
kindly made the Drill Hall available to us in the event of rain. I expect that if we are
caused to use the Drill Hall then it will be standing room only. Given fine weather we
plan to provide some seating for those attending in the area surrounding the memorial
although if we have the numbers presently estimated to attend then it might not be
possible to seat everyone on the day. The Dedication Ceremony will take about two
hours to complete.
 
A key focus point in the fifty-year commemoration of the Junior Recruit
Training Scheme is that it includes those from both Leeuwin and Cerberus. It
also celebrates the Training Scheme for all intakes, not just those who
commenced their training in 1960.
 
History of the Junior Recruit Training Scheme- “The Book”
The history of the Junior Recruit Training Scheme has been written. Given
access to Navy records, including those held in the National Archive, the history
titled Boy Sailors – Junior Recruits in the Royal Australian Navy 1960 to 1984 was
written by Brian Adams (22nd Intake). He took over the task from Paul Kerr
(60th Intake) who came up with the idea about a decade ago. Other former junior
recruits assisted by providing photographs and information.
The 35 000 word book and the 40 photographs contained in it will be published
by the Navy’s Sea Power Centre – Australia. The publication date is not firm at
present but we plan to have it ready for distribution by July 2010.
Beginning with a description of RAN boy sailor training early last century it goes
on to describe the thinking that underpinned the Naval Board’s 1959 decision to
re-introduce boy sailor training that had lapsed in the RAN in 1926. The nature
of education and training provided to JR’s, major features of the life experienced
by boys in Leeuwin and Cerberus, the reasons for the end of the scheme and the
activities of JR’s today are all covered. The book will provide an excellent policy
background to the more personal accounts of the JR training experience that are
available in other books about the RAN, in JR intake reunion booklets or are on
the Internet.
 
The author of this book, Rear Admiral Brain Adams AO RAN (ret), is the Patron of
the Junior Recruit Memorial Project and as more information comes to hand we
will publish it in the JR Memorial Newsletters.
 
Dedication Ceremony-“The Padres”
 
An important feature of the Dedication Ceremony will be the blessing of the Junior
Recruit Memorial by Chaplains. The Memorial Committee is pleased to report that the
RAN has appointed Chaplain Duncan Becsi to represent the Navy on this occasion but
in addition we have also invited the Reverend Joe Newbold to also assist with the
service. Joe Newbold joined the RAN as a Junior Recruit and after leaving the navy
went on to enter the Anglican Church Ministry. Joe’s role now is as the Rector of St
Michael’s Church at Mount Pleasant
 
The “Leeuwin” Mast is replaced
 
The old mast at Leeuwin is now in the process of being recycled by the reunion group
but the good news is that it has been replaced.
The Department of Defence in recent weeks has installed a new metal mast of a
traditional naval design. This area is now retained as the Official Flag Station for the
establishment and is where the Australian National Flag is flown daily. The area is
also used for important ceremonies such as the commemoration of ANZAC Day.
Once the JR Memorial has been completed it is hoped that ex JR’s will attend
important commemorative events such as this at the site
In addition to the mast being replaced Leeuwin Barracks staff have had significant
refurbishment of the concrete surrounds carried out and all that remains for us to do is
lay the reinforced foundations, install the 3 panel granite Junior Recruit Memorial and
re-landscape the Memorial Garden. Commencement of this work will be in
November.
 
Laying of Wreaths
 
A number of requests have been received regarding the laying of wreaths at the JR
Memorial on the occasion of its Dedication. Potentially this could involve a number
of personal wreaths and those from the various intakes. For this reason the
arrangements will need to be closely coordinated with the other activities planned for
the ceremony. It is expected that there will be the opportunity for those who wish to
do so to lay a wreath at the end of the Dedication Ceremony.
For those who are involved with the coordination of the various intake groups, web
sites and reunions can I suggest that you work within your groups to come forward
with a single proposal for your intake and nominate a person who will act as the point
of contact for this activity. Those who may wish to come forward with something of a
more personal nature such as for a family member I would ask that they contact me
personally so that we can coordinate the arrangements on the day.
 
Commemorative Medallions-Still Available
 
The Commemorative Medallions will continue to be made available for the duration
of the project. We have received many enquiries in recent weeks that suggest that
there may be some perception that the medallions are no longer available. This is not
the case, our intention is to continue to have them made but there will be a cut off
point most probably mid 2010.
Don’t forget Father’s Day in September, what could be better than a Commemorative
Medallion for dear old Dad or perhaps the next birthday. The order form is at the end
of this newsletter.
 
The “Bronze” has been cast!
 
The first casting of the bronze centrepiece for the Junior Recruit Memorial has been
carried out. The casting was done at Grigsby’s Foundry in conjunction with Jim
Benny of Techcast Pty Ltd at Ballarat from the sculpture by Andrew Borg. The
bronze casting is of a young Junior Recruit (torso) in winter uniform. The casting is in
relief and all features of the uniform including the TINGIRA badge are included. It is
important that we also point out that the image is not that of any real person, that is we
have not copied an ex JR’s photo or such like and although some may suggest that it
might look like someone they know it is only an artistic representation of a young
sailor.
This first casting was created in a sand mould and will require further finishing work
with hand tools to enhance the detail in the uniform and other features of the work.
When all of the detailing work has been completed the metal will be treated with a
sulphur lime chemical to create a “natural” patina to the bronze. Following the final
treatment the bronze will be transported to Perth for attachment to the granite panel.
The granite surface will need to be prepared for the bronze by cutting a rebate into
which the metal sculpture will fit. This will allow the bronze to fit flush with the
surface of the granite. Other components of the fixing process will include the
placement of two 50 mm bolts from the bronze into prepared holes in the granite. To
further ensure that it cannot ever be removed a masonry glue will also be applied The
masonry work is to be undertaken by Chris Thomas from the firm C.J. Vases in Perth
who also undertakes work for the Australian War Graves Commission.

 
“HMAS Leeuwin’s Bell”- Where is it?
 
The search is now on, we have just 12 months to go to the 50th Anniversary and
time yet to track down the ships bell from HMAS Leeuwin. Somewhere out there
in the ex navy community someone must know where the ships bell went to in
1985. The original bell would look very similar to the one in the photo above.
It would be very fitting that it was returned for the big event. No names, no pack
drill but a lead from someone might take us to where it is with a request that it
be returned.
It is now time to start some action to see if we can track it down for display next
year. The bell is quite large and very heavy, advice is that it would have needed
take two people to carry it and it would a shame if it was languishing away in
someone’s back shed. I cannot see that it would have personal value to anyone
unless in the unlikely event that it was sold as scrap metal. Perhaps a few letters
to the Editors of some of the major WA newspapers might stir something up.
The bell “disappeared” from the gangway at Leeuwin during the night before the
place was decommissioned in 1985. There is every chance that those who were on
watch that night and know something about it are now quite elderly or perhaps
even passed on in which case family members might be able to help out.
All of the JR website managers might be able to create more awareness the
search by posting information on their web sites.
Lets see if we can track it down.
 
Some Very Early JRTE History
Thursday Divisions - March 1967
 
(Photo courtesy of Frank Lindsay)
 
Just about all of the buildings in this photo have now been demolished, there is some
evidence of the “new” accommodation (as at 1967) in the top right hand corner. The
class at front centre (Marks Division) certainly had their act together and were looking
very smart.
 
“A Blast From the Past”
JR Australian Football Team 1961
 
(This photo courtesy of Kev. Connolly)
 
JR Memorial Fund Inc.– Funds Management
 
As previously reported in our newsletters the JR Memorial Fund is established as an
incorporated (not for profit) association. As such we have quite well defined
arrangements under which the funds are managed such as on the winding up of the
fund or the changing its role or objectives.
Under our incorporation arrangements we simply cannot spend or dispose of funds
(surplus or otherwise) as we might wish and as such we may only transfer funds or
any surplus to a “like organisation” that has the same or similar objectives to the
association as it was originally set up. In our case the establishment of a memorial to
the Junior Recruit Scheme
With this in mind the JR Memorial Committee will at its Annual General Meting in
August put in place arrangements for the association that will guide future decisions
associated with the disposal of surplus funds or actions to be taken on the winding up
of the fund at the conclusion of the project.
 
“Yours Aye”
 
Ken Dobbie
 
Junior Recruit Memorial Committee
 
Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com
 
The Commemorative Medallion
Order Form
 
Junior Recruit Memorial Fund
50th Anniversary Commemorative Medallion
Order Form
 
Please Supply:
 
Number of Medallions Required
@ $85.00 per unit
 
$
 
Engraving of Name and Official Number (optional)
@ $10.00 per unit
 
$
 
Please write below exactly what is to be engraved
Name& Initials…………………………………….
Official Number……………………………………
Postage and Handling @ $7.30 $
 
Total Cost (includes GST @10%)
 
(Payment by cheque or money order should be made to the
Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc. Do not send cash)
 
$
 
Your Name
Home Address
Postal Address
Telephone
Email Address
 
Techcast Aust. Pty Ltd manufactures the medallions in Ballarat Vic.
 
Please remit cheque or money order with the order form to:
Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc
75 Lovett St Devonport Tas 7310
Tel 03 64247198 Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com
 
All proceeds from the sale of the medallions are passed to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund.

 
 
 
 

Junior Recruit Memorial Project
Newsletter

Number 12 -June 2009

Welcome to Newsletter Number 12

.
The old mast is now in the hands of the Naval Cadet Unit TS Perth awaiting a
decision on some recycling of the timber. The reunion group are presently considering
options for the reuse of the timber. Watch their web site www.jrsreunion.org for
updates on their intentions in this regard.
The timber from the old mast presents a unique opportunity to retain a relic from the
old establishment, a little piece of its history so to speak. For example in the United
States Navy there has been a tradition for many years whereby old crewmembers can
be identified as a "plank owner". Originally the term applied to crewmembers that
were present when a ship first commissioned, today however the term is sometimes
applied to those who served at any stage in a ship. The "plank owners" in the
traditional sense are entitled to a piece of the ship's deck planking when it
decommissioned.
If we were to stretch our imagination a little a piece of the old mast could be
represented in the same light in that it presents as a small piece of ownership to what
was an important symbol of the training establishment. The reunion group is currently
working through the process of deciding what best to do with the old mast and in the
event that pieces of it are made available then we could all see ourselves as "plank
owners" of HMAS Leeuwin.

Planning Meeting Dedication Ceremony

Planning for the Dedication Ceremony will move to the next level in November at
Leeuwin Barracks. The meeting to be convened on Monday 23rd November will
involve members the Memorial Committee, the Reunion Committee, representatives
of the RAN and Department of Defence as well as other bodies involved with
activities associated with the dedication of the JR memorial on 13 July 2010.
The purpose of the meeting is to set out the ceremonial arrangements for the day and
consider a range of logistical matters such as the order of service, seating, public
access and parking. The forecast is for a significant crowd with high levels of public
and media interest expected.
Other matters to be considered in the ensuing days will be the engraving of the granite
panels on the memorial, the placement of the bronze sculpture and replanting of the
Memorial Garden.
We now have just 12 months to go until the Memorial Dedication Ceremony and
whilst that may appear to be some time away there is much to do to ensure that all
matters are dealt with in an effective and timely way. To this end meetings are also
planned in November with key people in other organisations in WA who will form an
integral part of the occasion. These include East Fremantle Council, WA Police (for
traffic control) and local ex service organisations involved in the activities.

Creating the "Bronze"

The process of creating the bronze centrepiece for the memorial is underway. The
sculptor, Andrew Borg, (pictured) has prepared the image in clay against a hard
background to ensure that the 3 dimensional image being created is accurate and
according to the size arrangements necessary to form the correct symmetry against the
granite panel. The clay slump figure once completed will be transferred to a sand
mould before the first casting is made at a local foundry.

Sculptor Andrew Borg at work on the "bronze"

The bronze figure will blend into a bronze oval shaped back plate; configuration will
also give proper symmetry to the image of the JR as well as allow a more accurate
presentation of the uniform. There will need to be some time and detailed work

Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc.
Patron RADM B.L Adams AO RAN (Ret)
Newsletter Number 12 June 2009

applied to the finishing process that will include attention to the finer details of the
uniform. This final finishing is undertaken directly into the metal using tools such as
chisels, files and all manner of scrapers to achieve the final detailed finish. The
processes to complete the final bronze piece will not be finished until November.

Commemorative Medallions

Have you got your Commemorative Medallion yet? Please do not leave it to the last
minute, as our ability to continue to supply them may be limited once the project is
completed. For family members some consideration of the next birthday is a chance
not to be passed up and don't forget Father's Day in September. For all the ex JR
Fathers and Grandfathers out there here is a chance to pass the order form onto the
kids as a subtle hint.

Some Very Early JRTE History- 1961

We need to cast our minds back to the first few days at Leeuwin to put ourselves in
this picture. The marking of our kit was a new and sometimes traumatic experience.
How traumatic? Well for those who managed to put a name where it was not
supposed to go soon incurred the wrath of those supervising the event. How many
have still got their name type? I am certain that many have got it hidden away in some
drawer along with other memorabilia from this time. Note in the photo how every new
JR is standing properly at ease, still dressed in civvies and perhaps not daring to even
twitch. Also the old Honour Board up on the wall; does anyone know what happened
to this and other "heritage" related items?

Marking Kit January 1961 (2nd intake)

(Photo courtesy of Kev. Connolly)

"The Ship's Bell"

We had an email from an ex JR a while back looking for the original HMAS Leeuwin
ship's bell, it seems that the day before the place was decommissioned in 1985 it

"disappeared". Given that at the time it was attached to the bulkhead immediately
outside the Naval Dockyard Police Office and most probably needed two men to carry
it raises even more questions. It is probably hanging over someone's bar or at worst
sold for scrap. If anyone knows where it might be please get in touch, it would be a
fitting centrepiece at the 50th Anniversary celebrations and perhaps placed at the JR
Memorial on special occasions, suitably polished of course.

Batavia Canon

Those who served at Leeuwin in the mid 60's will recall the Batavia canon; Navy
divers and GPV.958 under the command of LEUT (later CDRE) Hec Donaghue
raised this in July-August 1963. The canon was later transferred to HMAS STIRLING
where it was located outside NOCWA HQ after negotiation with the owner the WA
Maritime Museum. A WA Maritime Museum inspection of the large canon after
several years saw it removed for preservation in a special tank after sea air and bore
water had taken their toll. Returned on the condition that it remained indoors, the
shipwrights made a new gun carriage and the large canon is now located in a games
room in the Fleet Amenities Complex at HMAS STIRLING.

(Information courtesy of Vic Jeffrey)

HMAS Cerberus JR's

I would like to hear from any Cerberus Ex JR who is willing to contribute an article to
this newsletter. Whilst there were only two intakes at Cerberus there must be a wealth
of information out there that gives an insight into the JR scheme as it applied there.
The JR Memorial Project is representative of all JR's and contributions from those
who were part of that short but important side of the history of JRTE would be very
welcome. Any short anecdotes or photos from that time will be of interest to the
readers of this newsletter.

4-Inch Gun Turret

(1962 Photo Courtesy of Kev Connolly)

This relic of World War 2 was located at the edge of the parade ground as a display
item during the 1960's but was removed to an unknown location. Does anyone know
what ship it came from? If it was relocated as a memorial piece some knowledge of
where it went to might be of interest to some.
The relaxed mood of the JR's in the photo and the absence of white webbing suggest
that the photo was probably taken on a Sunday before the Church Parade.

Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc.
Patron RADM B.L Adams AO RAN (Ret)
Newsletter Number 12 June 2009

"Future Gunners ??"

Newsletter Distribution

We are endeavouring to give the newsletter the widest possible distribution. If
you are a member of an ex JR intake group, ex Service Organisation such as the
RSL or Naval Association please pass it on. There were 13,000 Junior Recruits
and at this time we estimate that we are only in contact with about 40% of them.
If you have some mates on your email list, pass it on. The more that we have
involved the more successful the JR Memorial Project and the 50th Anniversary
Reunion will be.

"Yours Aye"

Ken Dobbie

Junior Recruit Memorial Committee

Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com

The Commemorative Medallion
Order Form

Junior Recruit Memorial Fund
50th Anniversary Commemorative Medallion
Order Form

Please Supply:

Number of Medallions Required
@ $85.00 per unit

$

Engraving of Name and Official Number (optional)
@ $10.00 per unit

$

Please write below exactly what is to be engraved
Name& Initials…………………………………….
Official Number……………………………………
Postage and Handling @ $7.30 $

Total Cost (includes GST @10%)

(Payment by cheque or money order should be made to the
Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc. Do not send cash)

$

Your Name
Home Address
Postal Address
Telephone
Email Address

Please remit cheque or money order with the order form to:
Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc
75 Lovett St Devonport Tas 7310
Tel 03 64247198 Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com

Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc.
Patron RADM B.L Adams AO RAN (Ret)
Newsletter Number 12 June 2009

All proceeds from the sale of the medallions will be passed to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund .

 
 
 
 

To view the Newsletter please open the pdf file.  
Newsletter No 9
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/Memorial9.pdf
 
To view the Newsletter please open the pdf file.   The Newsletter under does not contain the images.
Newsletter No 8
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/Newsletter.pdf



 

 



 

Junior Recruit Memorial Project
Newsletter
Number 8
 
Welcome to Newsletter Number 8
 
There is some sad and disappointing news to start this newsletter. We have been advised that the mast located at Leeuwin has been taken down. The Property Services staff at the site found that the timber was in an advanced state of decay and was an OHS issue for them that could only be resolved by taking it down.

 
"The Mast"
 
There is to be a review of the maintenance budget arrangements at the site before any decision is made whether it is to be replaced or not. It is expected that the cost of a replacement mast will be in the vicinity of $11,000.
 
The choice of site for the Junior Recruit Memorial was predicated on the mast being there and some re-evaluation of the Memorial placement will need to be made should the mast not be reinstated. The Memorial Committee will in the mean time work towards some resolution of the matter with the staff at Leeuwin Barracks.
 
In the meantime the old mast remains at the site, awaiting disposal. The question arises does the ex JR Community want to do something with it? If there were a genuine purpose for which the timber can be used we would welcome some advice in that regard. Action will need to be swift and some storage arrangement made for the old mast whilst matters are worked out. We cannot expect that it will be retained at Leeuwin Barracks even in the medium term.
 
At this time I have no idea of the overall state of the timber and how far the decay has progressed and whether there is a small or large amount of reusable material there. If any action is to be taken with this then it will be up to a representation group to come forward and manage the work. It is not envisaged that this committee will take it on as an extra activity.
 
So all of you nostalgia buffs out there, if you want something to be done with the old mast let me know and perhaps we can get things moving. 
 
Memorial Project Update
 
We now have just 18 months to go to the completion of the project. Our aim establish a memorial that will commemorate the dedication, commitment and service of the 13,000 fifteen and sixteen year old boys who joined the Royal Australian Navy as Junior Recruits between 1960 and 1984 will occur on 13 July 2010 at the Leeuwin site.
 
The new-year will present some challenges to us and a number of important stages now have to be completed. The project continues to meet all milestones set out in the Strategic Plan. The Memorial Committee has commenced the initial planning arrangements that will set out the program for the dedication ceremony. Although this is at the earliest stages important considerations have to be made not only for the logistics of it all but also to the protocols associated with such as event. Some of these protocols will include obtaining approval to use the Australian White Ensign in the proceedings as well as appropriate service and dedication matters. The service will include the involvement of a RAN Chaplain. It is not expected that we will have a draft plan of the ceremony until at least July 2009, as we will need to consider a number of things including confirmation of the attendance of a number of important guests to the occasion.
 
The occasion is expected to attract a large crowd and as such the committee will call on a number of other organisations for assistance that includes the RAN, Leeuwin Barracks as well as ex service organisations and of course any locally based ex Junior Recruit who is willing to lend a hand. The planning will also need to get down to some quite basic considerations such as available first aid facilities, toilets, seating, wheel chair access, security and a host of other things that will be needed to make the day a success. Given that it will occur in July we also need to consider what to do if it rains.  

A History Worth Preserving

HMAS Tingira at Garden Island
 
Tingira is an aboriginal word meaning "ocean" or "open sea". HMAS Tingira, of all the ships to serve the RAN, this is the one that has perhaps received the least acclaim yet one which perhaps should be highly regarded. She was commissioned into the RAN on 25th April 1912 and commenced her role as a training ship for young boys entering the RAN. A total of 3,168 boys had the privilege of having their initial training not on a shore establishment or a "stone ship" but in the safe confines of a very fine training ship.
 
The Tingira was painted white and the masts and associated spars were painted yellow and she was often referred to as the "white lady" moored in Rose Bay in Sydney harbour.
 
 A newspaper of that era reported in an article on the ship that:
 

 "Much misconception exists concerning the good ship Tingira. There are persons still so far behind the times to imagine her to be a hulk whereupon are confined for corrective purposes, the wayward youth of the city. And those misguided folk pass on their placid way, not taking the trouble to learn that that on her broad decks are being trained the most highly skilled defenders of Australia's shores. Boys from the best Australian homes, boys from the great public schools, from the outback spaces and from the city's heart, who will pass into the navy, that is to be our bulwark against aggression".

 
Many of these boys served their country with distinction in World War I, World War II and even in the Korean War. One draft of Tingira boys served in HMAS Sydney with distinction in the battle against the German Cruiser Emden.
 
When, in the future, stories of the Junior Recruit Scheme conducted from 1960 to 1984 at Leeuwin and Cerberus are told, how will we as ex Junior Recruits expect them to be told?                              


 
Will those who trained as boys in the RAN in latter years at Leeuwin and Cerberus be portrayed similarly as "the most highly skilled defenders of Australia's shores?"
  
The creation of the Junior Recruit Memorial is perhaps an opportunity to capture the history of the scheme and give wider recognition to the achievements associated with this model of naval training and how it has contributed to the ongoing effectiveness of the RAN today.
 
The Tingira boys saw value in preserving their history and took steps to strengthen the bonds of comradeship amongst themselves. They formed what was known as the "HMAS Tingira Old Boys Association" for this purpose.
 
Perhaps it is timely for the creation of an "Association of ex Junior Recruits" such as that formed as the HMAS Tingira "Old Boys Association" to nurture the history and comradeship of the training scheme and of boys now men who have served and continue to serve with distinction in the defence of their country. 

The Badge of the HMAS Tingira Old Boys Association.
Their motto
"In strength and unity this association will stand forever". 
 
The Memorial Medallion is now available
How to Order
We need to take orders for medallions on the basis of prepayment only. On receipt of payment a medallion, leather case and certificate will be sent by post. The price of each medallion is $85.00 postage and packaging with Australia Post will cost an additional $7.30. We are able to make arrangements to have each medallion engraved with the name and number of each purchaser, this is however at a nominal cost of $10. All costs include GST of 10%
 
Cheques or Money Orders should be made out to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc and posted along with an order form to the fund at 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas 7310.
Delivery will be made within 21 days of receipt of payment. Do not remit cash or make payment out to any other person or organisation. It is not possible to deal with payments by electronic transfer, as we need to have all of the information required on the order form in addition to the payment
 

All proceeds from the sale of the medallions will be passed to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc. and will be used to assist with the costs associated with materials and construction of the memorial.

  
Members of a number of families of deceased ex Junior Recruits have contacted the project to investigate and purchase Commemorative Medallions and to have them appropriately engraved. We are aware that a number of reunion groups maintain information on those in their intakes who have passed on. It might be appropriate for intake organisers to make contact with the families of deceased members and perhaps advise them of arrangements to access Commemorative Medallions.
 
Tingira Badge
 
The figure on the Commemorative Medallion and also on the centre bronze feature of the JR Memorial will feature the "Tingira" badge on the left arm. This badge was worn by Junior Recruits in various positions over the years but began its application on the point of both shoulders for winter and summer uniforms. It was relocated at the time that "Australia " shoulder flashes became the standard uniform for the RAN. A decision was made to locate the Tingira badge on the Medallion and on the Memorial in the place that it was originally located on JR uniforms.

 

 

50th Anniversary Commemorative Medallion
Order Form

Please Supply:




Number of Medallions Required
 @ $85.00 per unit


$
 




Engraving of Name and Official Number (optional)
 @ $10.00 per unit


$




Please write below exactly what is to be engraved for example:
Name& Initials…………………………………….
Official Number……………………………………


 




Postage and Handling @ $7.30 per unit


$




(quoted costs include GST )                                Total
(Payment by cheque or money order should be made to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc. Do not send cash)


$




 


 




 




Your Name
 


 
 




Address
 


 
 




Postal Address for Medallion(s) if not home address


 
 
 




Telephone


 




Email Address


 




 

Please remit cheque or money order with the order form to:
 Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc
75 Lovett St Devonport Tas 7310
Tel 03 64247198 Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com

  

 

Donation Banking
A bank account has been set up with the Devonport branch of Westpac. The account name is the "Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc." (BSB 037 604 Account 22 7096) and deposits can be made electronically with the bank or by cheque made out to the fund and remitted to JR Memorial Fund Inc. 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas. 7310
Please do not remit cash or cheques made out to anyone other than the fund.
 

 

"Yours Aye"
 
 
Ken Dobbie
Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com
 
75 Lovett St Devonport Tas. 7310
Tel 03 64247198
Mob. 0418140042



 
 
 
 
Junior Recruit Memorial Project � The Memorial Medallion is now available How to Order � We need to take orders for medallions on the basis of prepayment only. On receipt of payment a medallion, leather case and certificate will be sent by post. The price of each medallion is $85.00 (including GST of 10%) postage and packaging with Australia Post will cost an additional $7.30. We are able to make arrangements to have each medallion engraved with the name and number of each purchaser, this is however at a nominal cost of $10. � Cheques or Money Orders should be made out to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc and posted along with an order form to the fund at 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas 7310. Delivery will be made within 21 days of receipt of payment. Do not remit cash or make payment out to any other person or organisation. It is not possible to deal with payments by electronic transfer, as we need to have all of the information required on the order form in addition to the payment � All proceeds from the sale of the medallions will be passed to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc. and will be used meet the costs associated with materials and construction of the memorial. ��� Junior Recruit Memorial Fund 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medallion Order Form � Please Supply: � Number of Medallions Required �@ $85.00 per unit $ � � Engraving of Name and Official Number (optional) �@ $10.00 per unit � $ Please write below exactly what is to be engraved � Name& Initials��������������. � Official Number�������������� � Postage and Handling @ $7.30 per unit � $ � Total Cost (inc GST @10%) � (Payment by cheque or money order should be made to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc. Do not send cash) $ � � � Your Name � � � Address � � � Postal Address for Medallion(s) if not home address � � � Telephone � � Email Address � � � Please remit cheque or money order with the order form� To: �Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas 7310 Tel 03 64247198 Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com ���� Newsletter Number 7 Welcome to Newsletter Number 7 It is now just on 12 months since we started the project. The aim of which is to establish a memorial that will commemorate the dedication, commitment and service of the 13,000 fifteen and sixteen year old boys who joined the Royal Australian Navy as Junior Recruits between 1960 and 1984 In the past year support for the project has grown in leaps and bounds and with continued support we will achieve our objective in July 2010 to commemorate the 50 years of service given by the Junior Recruit training system to the RAN. The project has created and awakened much interest in the history and the achievements of this service. Many old friendships are now being renewed and the process of establishing reunions to coincide with the dedication of the memorial is now moving at a hectic pace. The next 12 months will see the construction phase of the project begin with work on the first section of the memorial commencing in June. This first stage will be the engraving, impression making and casting of the centrepiece bronze. The masonry engraving and cutting will begin in November with the final placement scheduled for June 2010. Project Update The project continues to meet all milestones set out in the Strategic Plan. The Memorial Committee has commenced the planning arrangements that will set out the program for the dedication ceremony. Although this is at the earliest stages important considerations have to be made not only for the logistics of it all but also to the protocols associated with such as event. Some of these protocols will include obtaining approval to use the Australian White Ensign in the proceedings as well as appropriate service and dedication matters. The service will include the involvement of a RAN Chaplain. It is not expected that we will have a draft plan of the ceremony until at least July 2009, as we will need to consider a number of things including confirmation of the attendance of a number of important guests to the occasion. The Memorial Medallion is now available How to Order We need to take orders for medallions on the basis of prepayment only. On receipt of payment a medallion, leather case and certificate will be sent by post. The price of each medallion is $85.00 (including GST of 10%) postage and packaging with Australia Post will cost an additional $7.30. We are able to make arrangements to have each medallion engraved with the name and number of each purchaser, this is however at a nominal cost of $10. Cheques or Money Orders should be made out to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc and posted along with an order form to the fund at 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas 7310. Delivery will be made within 21 days of receipt of payment. Do not remit cash or make payment out to any other person or organisation. It is not possible to deal with payments by electronic transfer, as we need to have all of the information required on the order form in addition to the payment All proceeds from the sale of the medallions will be passed to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc. and will be used meet the costs associated with materials and construction of the memorial. Junior Recruit Memorial Fund 50th Anniversary Commemorative Medallion Order Form Please Supply: Number of Medallions Required @ $85.00 per unit $ Engraving of Name and Official Number (optional) @ $10.00 per unit $ Please write below exactly what is to be engraved Name& Initials��������������. Official Number�������������� Postage and Handling @ $7.30 per unit $ Total Cost (inc GST @10%) (Payment by cheque or money order should be made to the Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc. Do not send cash) $ Your Name Address Postal Address for Medallion(s) if not home address Telephone Email Address Please remit cheque or money order with the order form To: Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas 7310 Tel 03 64247198 Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com It is Your Heritage We have identified the Medallions as being important keepsakes that can form part of the naval heritage in each family. It is hoped that sons, daughters and even grandchildren may seek to purchase one as well. The sale of these will go towards meeting the costs of the memorial construction. (Show this newsletter to your wife you never know what you might get for Christmas). Creating the Commemorative Medallion The engraver for our Commemorative Medallion is Andrew Borg who is based in Gordon, Victoria. Andrew initially trained as an Industrial Engraver producing print embossing dies for the textile industry. His training as an engraver also involved medallion and coin hobbing dies. Further work in this area included the making of buckles and fashion accessories. Andrew has been established in this type of work for more than 20 years. He works in a small rustic workshop surrounded by much bric-a-brac and work in progress. The work, undertaken with the assistance of magnifying glasses, involves many small drilling and carving devices to produce the required effect. Generally Andrew works directly on the metal that will create the die and uses a photograph or drawing to guide his work. He has an uncanny ability to carve the exact detail directly into the metal. The medallions are cast in solid pewter and finished with a bronzed coating to provide the replication of the bronze centrepiece on the JR Memorial. The size of the pewter casting is 230 grams in weight and 80 mm in diameter (� pound and 3 � inches for those who have not yet converted to metric) The reverse side of each medallion has the Memorial Dedication and is cast in a way to provide for the engraving of a name and personal number. The presentation case is made of leather with printed images of the crest of Leeuwin and Cerberus on the outside with the RAN crest on the inside. The Engraving of the Master Die The First Casting First Stage of Hand Finishing The finished medallion An original Tingira flash, have you kept yours? 5th Intake Kaiber 1 Division Back Row: G. Walker, M. Marsham, D. Stone, D. Lyons, A. Wells, I. Spaulding, R. Kendall, P. Roberts, A. Barret, T. Boyd, T. Gaffney. Mid Row: LSmn Clifford, G. Forrester, C. Stevens, A. Browning, G. Hansen, P. Cooper, K. Greig, M. Gleaves, J. Grace, D. Needham, P. Tasker, D. Koneman, L. Mills, LSmn. Bingham. Front Row: P. Bowles, M. Leitch, R. Burgraff, POFC Lowein, CPOQMG Wilson, Lieut. Donohue, Lieut. Anderson, CPOGI Mitten-Lane POFC Amm, B. Kyson, J. Booker, G. Pennicuik. (Photo courtesy of �Sno� Roberts) �And Still They Serve� Steve Coll joined the RAN as a Junior Recruit in 1963 and is still serving. This photo is of recent activity in East Timor where rumor has it that Steve enjoys jumping out of helecopters in jungle environments and he is also believed to be having more fun now than ever in his life while the rest of us are perhaps putting our feet up in retirement. It must be all that training he received on �over night expeditions� as a JR Leeuwin Instructors 1963 Donation Banking A bank account has been set up with the Devonport branch of Westpac. The account name is the �Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc.� (BSB 037 604 Account 22 7096) and deposits can be made electronically with the bank or by cheque made out to the fund and remitted to JR Memorial Fund Inc. 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas. 7310 Please do not remit cash or cheques made out to anyone other than the fund. �Yours Aye� Have a happy and safe Christmas and we will continue with the project in the New Year Ken Dobbie 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas. 7310 Tel 03 64247198 Mob. 0418140042 Click here to download this file Junior Recruit Memorial Project Newsletter Number 6 � Project Update The project continues to meet all milestones set out in the Strategic Plan. Application has been made for some financial assistance from the WA Government but as most will realise there has been a change of government there and it may be a little while yet before we will find out if assistance is available. We have written to the new Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane RAN forecasting our intention to invite him to unveil the Junior Recruit Memorial in 2010, I expect we will hear from him in due course. Approaches were made to the RSL and the Naval Association in WA for letters of endorsement for the project; we continue to await replies from them. The web site for the 50th Anniversary Reunion is up and running with a tremendous amount of interest in that. For those wanting more information log on to www.jrsreunion.org One of our primary objectives is to raise the necessary money for the memorial. It is important to note that 100% of the donated funds will go towards the memorial construction and that at this time we are encountering a short fall rather than a surplus. Keep the donations coming, as the amount of money available through grants is quite small. We have been advised informally that DVA is not granting amounts to the levels previously given to many applicants and whilst we are yet to submit an application to them I do not expect that we will be treated differently to others. In any case the amount available from DVA is quite modest and only $4,000 if we get the full amount. Continuing Support Throughout the project we have been endeavouring to gain wide spread support for the objectives of establishing a lasting memorial to the Junior Recruit Scheme and the 13,000 boys who participated in it. To date the project has received the endorsement of the National President of the RSL, National President of the Naval Association, Vice Admiral Shalders RAN (as Chief of navy) National President Vietnam Veterans Association, The Minister for Veteran�s Affairs, Member for Fremantle Jim McGinty MLA, Leeuwin Barracks and more recently the Deputy Secretary Defence Support. The level of support received so far is indicative of the importance of this work and recognition given to it within government, defence and ex service organisations across the country. The continuing financial support from the ex JR community is also vital to the completion of this work Memorial Medallion The Memorial Committee has decided on a design for the Memorial Medallion. This will be comprised of a cast pewter medallion that will represent the 3 dimensional centre bronze piece of the memorial. The Memorial Medallions will be wholly manufactured in Australia. The photo below is a first draft of the image which will be finished with a rope surround and lettering at the top �Junior Recruit Memorial� and �1960-1984� at the bottom. The reverse will feature the dedication from the memorial and space will be allowed for the name of the purchaser to be engraved. The size of the pewter casting is 230 grams in weight and 80 mm in diameter (� pound and 3 � inches for those who have not yet converted to metric), which is quite heavy and will be finished to give a bronzed appearance. The case for the medallion will be covered with black leather, navy blue velvet lining with the crests of Leeuwin and Cerberus in gold leaf on the lid and Junior Recruit Memorial 50th Anniversary and RAN crest on the inside of the lid. A Certificate will be issued with each Medallion. This will be the same size as the case and will give an overview of the commemoration. Rear Admiral Brian Adams AO RAN (Ret), who is the Patron of the project, will sign each certificate. It is Your Heritage We have identified the Medallions as being important keepsakes that can form part of the naval heritage in each family. It is hoped that sons, daughters and even grandchildren may seek to purchase one as well. The sale of these will go towards meeting the costs of the memorial construction. At this time we are seeking advice on the GST position with the sale of these, the JR Memorial Fund is GST free for donations, the Tax office however may treat the sale of the medallions differently even though the transaction is in effect a donation. I will release full details of price and delivery arrangements shortly. There is an 8 to 10 week lead-time for manufacture but they will be available before the end of the year. (Show this newsletter to your wife you never know what you might get for Christmas). Payment and Ordering When the purchase price and GST arrangements have been finalised we will release information for payment and ordering. At this time we expect that orders will be made only by a prepayment arrangement though the JR Memorial Fund Inc. JR Memorial Medallion In terms of your family heritage you might ask �Would your family buy one and have it as a permanent keepsake of your service in the RAN�? Can I recommend that you bring the opportunity to purchase a medallion to the attention of your family? I am more than confident that they would like to have a valued memento of your service, If you don�t do it for yourself then perhaps you can do it for your children and your grandchildren. Reunion Web Site Most will now be aware that a web site has been established for the 50th Anniversary of JRTE at www.jrsreunion.org . This has been set up by a newly formed Reunion Committee that is now faced with the task of putting in place arrangements for an all intakes reunion commencing on 13th July 2010. The reunion activities will coincide with the unveiling of the Junior Recruit Memorial and several major activities are planned including a Gala Dinner. Updates on the planed activities as well as registration arrangements can be found on the web site. The web site will also provide information related to the JR Memorial Project including arrangements for making donations. We will make regular contributions to the �memorial page� on the web site as well as the normal distribution of a newsletter. Memorial Bronze Consultations are ongoing with the memorial development and I made a recent trip to Ballarat to talk with the companies who will be making the bronze centrepiece for the memorial. Grigsby�s Foundry has undertaken a lot of work of this nature. They are presently engaged to manufacture the bronze emblems for the Queensland Fire Service. I was able to witness the making of some of that work whilst there, very impressive. The engraver for our bronze will be Andrew Borg who is also based in Ballarat. Andrew has previously worked as a coin engraver for the Australian Mint and has been established in this type of work for more than 20 years. After witnessing the collaborative work undertaken by these two companies I am more than confident that the work to done on the memorial bronze will be first class. The work on the bronze will commence with the engraving and impression making in June next year with the casting and final finishing scheduled for November. The finished piece will be transported to Perth in December for fixing to the granite panel. Work will commence on the masonry side of things from January 2010 with final placement expected in June. Donations Yes!!! We do need more donations. Donation Banking A bank account has been set up with the Devonport branch of Westpac. The account name is the �Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc.� (BSB 037 604 Account 22 7096) and deposits can be made electronically with the bank or by cheque made out to the fund and remitted to JR Memorial Fund Inc. 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas. 7310 Please do not remit cash or cheques made out to anyone other than the fund. How are we going? At this time we only have $7,500 and the target is to raise $25,000 and whilst we will get some funds from DVA and others there is a significant gap in what comes from grants and what we need to get it done. Just $10 from each ex JR will get us there and all of this will not happen without your support. A Very Motley Crew From 1963 Just in case one of your children asks, �what did you do in the Navy Dad?� you can refer them to these photos (courtesy of Brian �Rocky� Freier) Do you recognise any of these faces? Some were still serving up until quite recently �A little bit of JR History�-Aboriginal Titles Given to JR Divisions In the early part of Junior Recruit Training at Leeuwin the names for the Recruit Divisions were drawn from eminent local aboriginal elders and guides. These elders and guides played significant roles in the early days of white settlement in Western Australia. Kaiber Division �Kaiber� was a guide and interpreter to Captain George Grey of the 83rd Regiment during the period when the area between Fremantle and Shark Bay was explored in 1839. Winjan Division �Winjan� was an elder of a tribe in the south west of the state. These people were known as �Winjan�s People�. He much later was given the English name of George Winjan and was recognised for his role and leadership in reconciliation matters between aboriginal people and white settlers. The Winjan Community is a significant aboriginal community in Western Australia. Nakina and Mokare Divisions �Nakina� and �Mokare� were members of the King George Sound tribe and were known for their roles in the early English exploration of King George Sound and worked with surveyors of the time such as Lieutenant Robert Dale. The abilities of the aboriginal guides to act as interpreters were well respected, as was their role in establishing good relationships with other aboriginal groups. Wylie Division �Wylie� was an aboriginal of the King George Sound tribe who was taken by ship from Albany in 1840 to Adelaide by the explorer Edward Ayre. �Wylie� accompanied Ayre, Baxter and two other aboriginals in the exploration of a land route from Adelaide to Albany in Western Australia. During the journey Ayre and his party suffered from starvation and attacks from natives. One of the party, Baxter, was murdered by natives. Despite suffering from a lack of food and water �Wylie� was able to assist and direct Ayre to his destination. Later through the influence of Ayre the dedicated �Wylie� was rewarded with a pension and returned to his tribal lands in Albany. Yagan Division �Yagan� was a very respected elder in the district of Beelier, which was the aboriginal name for the area around the Swan and Canning Rivers. �Yagan� was initially more recognised for his ability to steal livestock from the white settlers and also for his escape from custody. He was very active in crime against settlers and was implicated in many thefts of provisions and also for murder. He was proclaimed an outlaw and a price was placed on his head however he eluded capture for many months. Unfortunately a shepherd shot him in July 1833. He was both admired and feared by the white settlers and respected for his role in defending his tribal lands. One of the guards responsible for his custody named him �Yagan the Patriot� and referred to him as the �Wallace of the age� which had reference to the great Scottish hero William Wallace who defended his homeland from the English. The 1963 JR Rugby Team This team was made up of both first and second term JR�s some of whom have passed on, the officer is Lieut. Terry Roach who went on to command submarines and is now, as I understand a �sheep farmer� (one extreme to another) Click here to download this file �Yours Aye� Ken Dobbie Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas. 7310 Tel 03 64247198 Mob. 0418140042 Junior Recruit Memorial Project Newsletter Number 5 Project Update The project has been reviewed against the planning milestones set by the committee and at this time I am happy to report that we are on track. The progress can sometimes become a little ragged whilst we await responses from various organisations that we need to consult with. Often these minor time delays can compound and frustrate matters but we are obliged to use snail mail so to speak when seeking formal approvals. We have had a positive response from the Minister for Veteran�s Affairs and he has referred us to DVA for further assistance. The National President of the RSL has also given us his endorsement that we now place with others such as the Naval Association of Australia on file to be used in future applications for assistance to the project. We have had approval from Leeuwin Barracks to place the memorial at that site and have access to our preferred location that is near the ensign staff immediately inside the ceremonial gates. Submissions have been received from a number of memorial masons and foundries with quotes to undertake the work. These quotes will be reviewed by the committee in time and a final decision will be made sometime late in 2009 at which time we expect construction to begin. The Design The memorial will be constructed to form three grey granite panels each of 1500 mm x 1000 mm. The left hand panel will be engraved with the dedication in gold lettering and this is to be surrounded by a gold rope. The centre panel will have a bronze sculpture attached to it. This will be a full sized head and torso embossed image of a Junior Recruit (waist up). It will include the Tingira flash on the left shoulder and represent full winter uniform features such as silk, lanyard, tapes, collar etc. The embossed image will be in the centre of a circular bronze disc (500 mm) and include a rope surround with a figure of eight knot at the bottom. The right hand panel will have etched into it the crests of Leeuwin and Cerberus and as such be representative of all Junior Recruits. The forecourt area will be paved in a similar colour to the grey granite in the panels. This drawing represents the structural details in terms of size and layout and was supplied by one of the companies providing quotes for the work. The Location Leeuwin Barracks has been helpful in meeting our request for use of the land at our preferred location near the ceremonial gates. At this time there is another memorial located near where we propose to locate the JR Memorial. The existing WWII memorial will not be relocated; we will locate ours to the rear of this and closer to the Drill Hall. The location is presently used for ANZAC Day ceremonies by Leeuwin Barracks, it is envisaged that the ex JR community could use this location for the same purpose in future years. The site for the memorial Memorial Medallion The bronze centre piece for the memorial is being designed to represent a Junior Recruit in uniform and the artist is being asked to ensure that both the uniform features such as lanyard, silk scarf, collar etc are true in every detail. We are also seeking to have the facial features representative of a young man of the appropriate age and no we will not include the acne. Discussions are presently underway to determine the feasibility of having a memorial medallion manufactured in bronze or similar metal that is a replica of the memorial centrepiece, the reverse of the medallion will have the dedication engraved and if there is sufficient support also have the name and number of the purchaser included in the engraving. Similar medallions were made for the centenary of the Scout movement and a photo of their medallion is below. We are having options for this type of thing costed at this time and our decision to proceed will be determined by the level of the responses we receive. There are costs in setting this type of thing up and we can only undertake it on the basis that there will be full cost recovery. We are not in a position to use donated funds to support this concept. How much will they cost? The example shown above which is 48 mm in diameter and 4 mm thick (quite heavy) in a bronzed metal with a velvet lined leather case will cost $85. Of this about $25 would go to the memorial fund. Less expensive options are being explored at this time with the assistance of SALT, which is the outlet for RANCCF items. Jak Goudman (ex JR and WOSN) is looking into our options with that organisation. Would you buy one and how much would you pay? In terms of family heritage you might ask �would your family buy one and have it as a permanent keepsake of your service in the RAN�? Can I recommend that you bring this to the attention of your family, I am more than sure that they would like to have a valued memento of your service Your feedback on this is requested. It goes without saying that we will not proceed unless there is sufficient support. If we can get indications for a demand of 100 or more then we can proceed Donations A bank account has been set up with the Devonport branch of Westpac. The account name is the �Junior Recruit Memorial Fund Inc.� (BSB 037 604 Account 22 7096) and deposits can be made electronically with the bank or by cheque made out to the fund and remitted to JR Memorial Fund Inc. 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas. 7310 Please do not remit cash or cheques made out to anyone other than the fund. Donations have slowed somewhat since we started the project, at this time we only have $5,000 and the target is to raise $25,000 and whilst we will get some funds from DVA there is a significant gap in what comes from grants and what we need to get it done. Just $10 from each ex JR will get us there and all of this will not happen without your support. Some History of HMAS Leeuwin The history of the RAN in Fremantle goes back to 1st July 1911 when a District naval Officer was appointed at Fremantle primarily to administer Reserves enrolled for compulsory training. The first district naval officer was captain C.J. Clare and the Naval Staff Office was established in a disused Post Office in Cliff St Fremantle. In 1913 a building known as King�s Warehouse was leased from the Customs Department for use as a drill hall. This remained in use for 13 years until a new drill hall was constructed in an area bounded by Mouat St, Croke Lane and Cliff St. On the 1st October 1926 the new buildings were occupied by the District Naval Officer and his staff and King�s Warehouse was vacated. At this time the establishment was known as HMAS Cerberus V. The Naval Control of Shipping Service was established on 1st September 1939 and the next day the Port War Signal Station on Rottnest Island was manned and mobilisation commenced. The Croke Lane Depot was commissioned HMAS Leeuwin on 1st August 1940. During 1941-42 much development occurred including the building of the new and present depot at Preston Point to provide torpedo maintenance facilities for allied submarines and gunnery training for the RAN. This land had previously been partly WA Government Railway property along with Gallop�s farm on the Preston Point Road side. This was occupied in 1942 following the appointment of NOIC Fremantle, the first being Commodore JA Collins. After the war and prior to Junior Recruit Training starting in 1960 the depot was mainly used in the training of Reserves and National Servicemen. The Naval Board decided to proceed with Junior Recruit Training in 1959, HMAS Leeuwin that had existed in rundown state since the end of National Service was the choice for the new scheme. By the end of 1959 HMAS Leeuwin again took on the appearance of a naval establishment and facilities were restored to provide the accommodation and training of Junior Recruits. On the 18th July 1960 the first 155 trainees entered HMAS Leeuwin. A total of 141 went on to graduate on 16 June 1961 in the first Passing Out Parade that was reviewed by the late Vice Admiral Sir Henry Burrell, KBE, CB, RAN, and Chief of Naval Staff. The number of Junior Recruits under training grew steadily in the 1960�s reaching 619 in 1965 and eventually peaking to just over 800 in the early 1970�s. The largest intake was the 50th in 1974 consisting of 276 entries of which 229 went on to graduate. A long-term development plan was commenced in 1965 in a sweeping rebuilding program that saw virtually all of the temporary structures replaced by modern buildings. Sadly the 1980�s saw the decline of the JR Scheme and the graduation of the 86th intake on 4 December 1984 was the last. A total of 13,340 JR�s entered the scheme between 1960 and 1984, of that number 12,074 graduated. (The information in this article comes courtesy of Vic Jeffery) Photos from the past Ramsay Division 1984 (the very last) Kaiber 1 Division January 1963 6th Intake Marks Division 23 rd Intake Passing Out Parade (note the modified 303 rifles) Winjan Division (year not known) The New Chief Most of us will now be aware the new Chief of Navy is Vice Admiral R Crane RAN. Vice Admiral Crane is an ex Junior Recruit and the second to rise to Flag Rank. The first was Rear Admiral Brian Adams who is the JR Memorial Project Patron. �Yours Aye� Ken Dobbie Email ken.dobbie@bigpond.com 75 Lovett St Devonport Tas. 7310 Tel 03 64247198 Mob. 0418140042