CDF presents Navy nashos their medals

CDF presents Keith Drain with his Nation Service medal.

John Baker from Berrara accepts his National Service medal from CDF. Photos by ABPH Richard Neil

By Graham Davis

John Baker crossed the dance floor of the Bomaderry RSL Club, came to a halt and proudly accepted from the Chief of the Defence Force, GEN Peter Cosgrove, his National Service 1951-1972 Medal.

There was loud applause throughout.

John, from Berrara near Sussex Inlet was one of 58 men who had gathered at the club on April 4 to receive their medals.

John joined the Fleet Air Arm in 1954 and posted to work with permanent navy personnel at HMAS Nirimba. He worked on maintaining RAN aircraft engines.

Then it was the turn of Keith Drain from Shoalhaven Heads. Keith joined the RAN in 1953 and spent the next five years as a stoker.

Other Navy National Servicemen to receive medals were Norman Parkes of Sanctuary Point who spent from 1953 to 1958 in the RAN and Alister Tarbert of Kiama who began his basic training at HMAS Penguin in 1953.

The Federal MP for Gilmore, Joanna Gash organised the presentation function.

She said , “I thank you for being part of today’s presentation of the Anniversary of National Service 1951-1972 Medal, to commemorate those who served Australia as National Servicemen.

“Paying tribute to these men is long overdue and I appreciate the support of all of you for this event as we recognise these men, men who represented their nation with distinction and honour,” she said.

GEN Cosgrove commended all the “Nashos” present describing them as “the absolute backbone of this country. God bless you all.”

CAPT Andrew Cawley, the commanding officer of HMAS Creswell thanked CDF for attending the function and making the presentations.

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