A Little Dit from Gary Ellis

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I just wanted to mention a conversation and some thoughts at the recent Long Lunch at Tempelton RSA. 

It was a very good muster including a number of sailors who had travelled from afar. During the gathering, I heard a name mentioned that the last time I’d heard it, was when I was in BCT. The name was Mike Collett and he was the Achilles divisional coxn for my 1/75 intake. He was a CPORM at the time, only did the one term at Tamaki, got posted shortly afterwards and discharged after 22 years service. Rob (Neil Robinson) and I had a chat with Mike, who naturally, didnt remember us pair of OD’s, but I asked if he knew the where abouts of my BCT PO instructor, Bob Fleming, a PO Gunner. Mike gave me Bobs number and advised he has recently moved into an assisted living complex in Brisbane but still very lively. I was blown away to be meeting with Mike and to get Bobs digits, after all these years. I sent Bob a text, thanking him for his “gentle instructional methods” of taking several useless drops of skin and turning them into useful sailors many years ago, and that I had also done a term as a BCT instructor, in Achilles division in the very same dorm he trained me. 

I found it amazing and reflected that Mike and Bob had served over 20 years, I have done 20 years and there are now sailors who I trained that have also done their time and retired. But what gets me the most about it all, is that I’ve had some awesome experiences, been to places I’d never thought I’d see and have made lifelong friendships and experienced comradeship that is unequal. As I’m sure Mike, Bob and those that followed us, have also had. Thank you all, shipmates.

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