- Author
- Letter Writer
- Subjects
- Letter to the Editor
- Tags
-
- RAN Ships
- HMAS Nirimba
- Publication
- December 2012 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
Dear Editor
I thought I would share my concern at the claims made on the ABC 7.30 report tonight. My concern is that the problem is portrayed as being systemic, with abuse and brutality seeming to have been tolerated and even covered up, especially at HMAS Leeuwin. As a sailor who started at Leeuwin and was a Coxswain during the period spoken about I feel qualified to say that I saw none of what was spoken of or, more importantly, never heard rumour of it. If there was an isolated case it was definitely not widespread. I sincerely hope that ex- Navy personnel like me will speak out to ensure balance and not let the wonderful history of our proud service be degraded by the way these claims are handled in the media.
Regards,
Brent Balchin
(forwarded by Rex Williams, WA)