Comments for RNZN Communicators Association

Comment on Reunion 2012 by Jim

Jim — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:41:57 +0000

If the numbers don’t increase for this one (at present just over 80, including partners), I don’t think there will be another one!

Comment on Do You Remember These? by Dave Wistrand

Dave Wistrand — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:38:03 +0000

Yep I have those somewhere in my bottom drawer Dennis was LEW with Rock Graham and Colin Morbey as RS(W) or whatever and Dits Powell, Ian Scott and I joined as OD;s with Don Campbell as CRS and Blue Bonce Godrey as LRD, two East Brothers (Terry and ??) and Dave Synott
were the crew – Buntings George Cust Brian Mitchell and who cares

Comment on Reunion 2012 by Jim

Jim — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Good speaking to you on the phone today George. All the very best to you and Val for the future. Keep in touch.
Jim and Vicki

Comment on Occupations by Dean Whaanga

Dean Whaanga — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:46:25 +0000

Well since leaving the RNZN in 1997, I have been travelling under the umbrella of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office at various embassies around the planet. First as accountant in Oman where I was fortunate to get a ship visit from HMNZS Te Kaha to Muscat on completion of her deployment to the Persian Gulf. Following, a 4 year stint in Chile as accountant. Finally a 4 year posting to Iran as Estate Manager. Suffice to say, probably on reflection, gained a lot of valuable knowledge during my time as a communicator in various capacities to enable a rounded set of assets for the diplomacy path. An interesting and challenging lifestyle to say the least. Now I have recently returned to NZ and have established myself on a largish property in Mahia Peninsula, where by the way, the Paua are flourishing and the crayfish are monsters. We have a modest motel that goes with the property and am entertained by the local wood pigeons (kereru) and the tui with many other flighted birds in the fold. If any communicators/RNZN pers (ex or otherwise) find themselves in this neck of the woods, please do not hesitate to call in or stay, rates are negotiable (it goes without saying) contact dwhaanga@hotmail.co.uk

Comment on HMNZS ROYALIST at Waitangi 1960 by Albie Cross

Albie Cross — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:52:41 +0000

I never visited NPM during my time in service but I sent and received a lot of traffic on FX 64.The Yanks sure liked to test you out with their “Bug Key” expertise. How many of you can remember receiving a “Hydro-Pac ?. I never ever found out what they were supposed to represent. !. (All co-ordinates North and West ???) On return from a trip to CKN in June 1999, I dropped in to NPM for three days At the Arizona Memorial Museum, I shot some video tape of the “Mighty MO’” and as we puttered over to the Arizona memorial itself, I passed the video camera to my daughter who ran off some tape. It was not until we arrived back in NZ and I down-loaded all the tapes that I found to my horror that my daughter had videod practically every US man of war that was tied up or moored in Pearl Harbour.

Comment on Were you on TARANAKI in 1963? by Geoff Andrews

Geoff Andrews — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:37:11 +0000

Pete, what’s your email address? I have just received the Taranaki log and thought you might be interested. I’m at geoffandrews@gmail.com

Comment on Jack Passings – February 2012 by Jim

Jim — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:36:35 +0000

I wonder if Peter Soper, as mentioned as one of Rex’s sons, is the Peter Soper who was a Signalman during the 70′s?

Comment on Were you on TARANAKI in 1963? by Geoff Andrews

Geoff Andrews — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:35:28 +0000

Hi Pete, and thanks for getting back to me. I’m really confused about that day as I definitely went ashore but it doesn’t seem right that I went ashore the night of his assassination. Maybe I did.
I was at reunion in October and asked a few folks but nobody could remember. Let me know if you hear of anything else about that day/week. Cheers

Comment on Were you on TARANAKI in 1963? by Geoff Andrews

Geoff Andrews — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:30:39 +0000

John, thanks for comment. So from what you can remember we stayed alongside that day. You’re right about the US forces going on high alert as I remember the subs and number of other US vessels going to sea immediately. Getting old suck’s doesn’t it? I can remember many things from the 1960′s but buggered if I can remember what i had for dinner last night!! If anything else springs to mind I’d love to hear about it. Cheers

Comment on HMNZS ROYALIST at Waitangi 1960 by Brian Edwards

Brian Edwards — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:43:17 +0000

I remember the occasion well as I was on KANIERE and not long after up in the islands received a bit more than an Off Caps punishment and for a further bit of useless information, my Grandmother baked Lord Cobham’s 21st birthday cake back in the Mother land. So there you have it!
Pilz