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SHIPS COMPANY STORIES
As I track them down I will attempt to obtain a few words from the staff.
Pete Pergunas R64584 LSQMG later POCOX found in NSW (Collins Division Staff)
Alan Meyer - WA - Parade Ground CPOQMG
Joined the navy in February 1958, and after recruit and seaman gunner training joined the HMAS Warrego a WW 11 ship that had now become a survey vessel. The posting to this ship was of great importance to a seaman rating as the seamanship required was of the highest standard.
Two years later, I found myself on another survey type ship the HMAS Diamantina that was based out of Fremantle my home port. Diamantina was used as for Oceanographic work (collecting plankton and checking ocean depths and water temperatures (we carried Boffins and Scientists for this task). A lot of junior recruits would remember this old ship
After returning to Cerberus for a Leading Seaman Gunnery Course my next posting was to HMAS Penguin where I was sent to 1MCE the Holdsworthy Corrective establishment as staff, didn't enjoy this posting as it wasn't my "kettle of fish", as a matter of fact I was lucky I didn't find myself on the inside looking out.
From there to the Minesweeper (HMAS Snipe) where I spent an enjoyable two years. During my posting to Snipe we carried out a sweep of Tonalia Harbour in Bouganville to ascertain if any WW11 mines were still active. We were also one of the first vessels to reach the site of the Melbourne /Voyager disaster site on the 14th February 1964.
In April 1964 I returned to Cerberus for a Petty Officer gunnery course and in June joined the Diamantina for the second time.
In April 1966 I was posted to HMAS Leeuwin for the first of five postings to the JRTE establishment. The first four were for Parade Training and Rifle Range Duties and the last, as a Warrant Officer assistant divisional officer. I thoroughly enjoyed all my postings to Leeuwin both for the training and sporting aspects and have very fond memories that I still treasure to this day. I have been fortunate enough to come in contact with many, many ex Junior Recruits over the persuing years and even though it’s sometimes embarrassing in not knowing there names it is gratifying to know they remember me either for good or bad reasons.
In 1975 I was awarded the AM in the Order of Australia for my services to the navy with special mention to my time in Leeuwin.
During intervals in my postings to Leeuwin, I served time on HMAS Vendetta, Derwent and Brisbane.
Since leaving the navy in 1980 I have kept in contact with the navy by assisting with the training of Naval Reserve Cadets at TS Perth, the Vietnam Logistic Support Veterans Association and the Returned and Services League Bicton/Palmyra Sub-Branch where I have been secretary for the last 16 years.
I hope to be able to join some of you at your Reunion in 09 (if the invitation is still open) and if for some reason this is not possible (as I’ll be 72 at the time,) then my fondest thoughts will be with you.