Obituary: Len Meakin

Author

A.N. Other and NHSA Webmaster

Subjects

Obituaries

Tags

None noted.

RAN Ships

HMAS Otway II

Publication

December 2010 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)

The Submarine Association of Australia has informed us of the passing over the bar on 2nd November 2010 at age 83 of Len Meakin, Gunnery Instructor, Submarine Chief Coxswain, and Warrant Officer, Naval Police. Len was a colourful and highly respected character who had a remarkable career in the RAN.

Len joined the RAN in September 1945 and after initial training was selected for the Gunnery Branch. Here he displayed his undoubted potential as in 10 years he had qualified as a Gunnery Instructor. Len paid-off in 1957, but re-entered the RAN in 1961, this time to join the Submarine Service.

He again excelled, later qualifying as a Submarine Coxswain and Escape Instructor. In 1967 Len was posted to Scotland for training and to stand by the new submarine Otway (II). In March of that year Len was selected as a member of a colour party involved in the unveiling of the new RAN ensign in London. Len was coxswain of HMAS Otway (II) when she commissioned in April 1968 and returned with her, arriving in Sydney in October 1968.

With yet one more naval career before him Len left submarines in 1969 and transferred to the Naval Police where he again quickly rose to the top of his profession, finally paying off as a Warrant Officer in December 1981 after a total of nearly 33 years exceptional service.

Len is missed by the many friends and colleagues who have had the good fortune to serve with him.