SAD NEWS FROM THE NAVY’S RANKS

It is with much sadness that I advise of the following who have crossed the bar in the past few days:

Captain Simon Woolrych RAN Rtd.  Simon was an extremely well-known and respected member of the RAN, particularly as a PWO, Commanding Officer and later as a Project Director in Navy Office Canberra.  Whilst I did not serve with Simon, I did know him socially and had the highest respect for him as an officer and a gentleman.

WOSV Peter Fockhart RAN Rtd.  Until earlier this year Peter ran an email network similar to mine and, although we had not served together, we had become well known to one another.  He contacted me a while ago saying that he was being admitted to hospital and would be off the air for some time and further, that if it all turned out OK, he would be back on the air in due course.  Sadly, that will not now happen.  There has been a further complication in that his son Adam passed away within three hours of Peter.  The family must be somewhat devastated.

Theo Bushe-Jones.  I certainly knew Theo who, at age 92 (approx.) was a member of our local DVA sponsored gym group.  Sprightly and well regarded, I believe that Theo was a mainstay in the building of the Fleet Air Arm Association.  I believe he retired from the RAN Fleet Air Arm as a Chief Petty Officer in the days long before the Navy adopted the current form of Warrant Officer Rank.  Theo was also a well-respected member of the Naval Association, City of Perth Sub Branch.

Ron Privilege.  I have yet to have received any detail on Ron other than to say that he was well regarded in the Naval Association, Perth North Sub Branch.

Funeral and or memorial services will be advised when known.

A sad day for the families and the Navy and its retirees

Bob Mummery