Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

In the words of his wife, Marie, David enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy because 'it was the right time for him to try something different'. At the time he was working in a clerical position and, dis-satisfied with his job and encouraged by his Father, who had also served in the RAN, he decided to enlist. On the day of his enlistment he confided to Marie '...I think I've done the wrong thing'!!

Shortly after enlisting and initial recruit training, David was offered the opportunity to go to London to train as a pilot, an offer he declined as it would have meant being further away from Marie.

Between deployments aboard the aircraft Carriers Melbourne and Sydney, David would save his money so he could fly to Hobart to see Marie every few weeks. When deployed he would write to Marie every evening and number each letter. Marie would often receive bundles of 20-30 letters simultaneously!!

David's service as an aircraft electrician saw him work solely on Australia's aircraft carriers, HMAS Sydney and HMAS Melbourne. He worked predominantly on the Sea Venom fighter aircraft, a fighter aircraft that provided potection for the fleet.

He jokingly referred to his operational service during the Malayan Emergency as being able to identify the area on a map as they sailed past.

David and Marie enjoyed almost 64 years of marriage and had three children, Kerri, Rob and Nick.

Lest We Forget