July 2019 There are moments when we first gaze upon a work of art, whether in the pictorial or written form, and are drawn to its beauty and are inspired. ...
Poetry
Terse Verse
The following verse was apparently composed on the occasion of the initial Task Force of the British Pacific Fleet joining up with the US 3rd/5th Fleet in the North Pacific ...
A Naval Airman’s Christmas Carol
Or “Who me, Joss?” (Courtesy – HMAS Albatross) Jossman Wencelas looked out On the Feast of Stephen, When the R.P.O.s stood round about, Blancoed, crisp and even. Loudly swore the ...
Letters – ‘Detail Action’
The poem “Detail Action” in the March issue, and which you state may have been attributed to “Gatey” Crawford, was in fact written by Gerald O’Driscoll, R.N. Under the name ...
The Battle of Kolombangara
In darkness and quiet of the morning, As the squadron steamed steadily north The admiral signalled a warning, That Jap warships were–sallying forth. We knew not their size nor their ...
Detail Action
The following poem “Detail Action” has been attributed to CPO Fred “Gaity” Crawford, the well known identity of the Boys Training Ship “Tingira”, and this could quite possibly be true. ...
Canberra’s fate
It was 1.45 in the morning, Serene and quiet the sea; The Canberra had steamed into Tulagi, With Guadalcanal on the lee. The Aussie patrol was with us With Yankee ...
The Blazing Trail – poem
‘Twas on the gallant Quickmatch With crew two hundred bold, To “Dusty” Rhodes the Captain, They were like sheep in fold. The men comprised of fighters, Their homes the Empire ...
Au revoir – poem
A poetical tribute to Lieutenant Commander R. (Dusty) Rhodes DSC, RAN, on his relinquishing command of HMAS Quickmatch in 1944. Now Cobbers, fellow shipmates, The time is drawing near When we shall lose that gallant man, ...