Victoria Chapter

CHAPTER MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FOURTH MONDAY OF THE MONTH AT THE WAVERLEY RSL
The Waverley RSL is located at 161 Coleman Parade, Glen Waverley, and is conveniently situated opposite the Glen Waverley railway station. The RSL car park is free but you need to display a ticket on your dashboard (obtainable from reception) or use the public car park opposite.

Our next Monthly Meeting is at 1900 on Monday 28 July 2025.

Guest Speaker: Mr John Perryman CSM

“Operation SOLACE in Somalia – 1992/93”

John Perryman was born and raised in Canberra.  He joined the RAN at age 16 as a Junior Recruit, inspired by his parents’ service in the Royal Navy.  After attaining the rank of Warrant Officer Signals Yeoman, he accepted a commission as a Lieutenant.  Throughout his naval career he saw much of the world, and participated in numerous exercises and operations, including operational deployments to Somalia, Bougainville and East Timor.

In 2004 he took up the position as Senior Naval Historical Officer at the Sea Power Centre – Australia.  He was also the official RAN representative onboard the search vessel Geosounder when it discovered the wrecks of HMAS Sydney and the German raider Kormoran off Geraldton in 2008.  In his last ‘posting’ within Defence before retirement, he was appointed as Director of Strategic and Historical Studies at the Sea Power Centre.

John has researched and co-authored numerous books and publications covering the RAN’s history, including “Australia’s Navy in Vietnam”.  In 2011 and 2021 respectively he published his book “Kit Muster” volumes 1 and 2 documenting a comprehensive history of the uniforms, badges and insignia worn by Australia’s naval personnel.  He remains a passionate advocate of naval heritage, and delights in sharing the history of the Royal Australian Navy.

Those attending will be impressed by his deep understanding of the challenges of peacekeeping in Somalia during Operation SOLACE in 1992/93.  He will convey his personal experiences and insights while deployed to this operation in HMAS Tobruk, illuminated by various photographs that highlight the stark reality of this operation and the difficulties of delivering aid in such a lawless place.

Membership of the NHSA automatically entitles you to be part of the Victoria Chapter and to share in its activities.

We hold our monthly meetings in the well-appointed “Sunset Room” at the RSL – easy access is provided by an adjacent lift.  Our program is listed on the website, and we either have a Guest Speaker or show a film.  Meetings start at approximately 7.00 pm and finish by 9.00 pm.

The “Warramunga Restaurant” on the ground floor opens at 5.30pm and a number of members and guests take the opportunity to enjoy a few drinks at the bar from 5pm onwards before heading to the Restaurant. Please be seated by 5.45pm to ensure the meeting starts on time.

Our Secretary Lynda Gilbert coordinates the booking of tables, so please let her know in advance by email lynda.gilbert@aol.com if you are intending to join us for dinner.

If joining us for the first time, please let us know when you plan to visit by contacting Andrew Mackinnon and we will ensure you are made welcome.

The Chapter produces a monthly newsletter called the ‘Three-Headed Dog’, containing a variety of articles of interest.  Edited by Andrew Mackinnon, this is published 11 times a year and is distributed by email to Victorian members free of charge.  Copies of the latest and previous ‘Three-Headed Dog’ newsletters can be found on the

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