Former sailor takes sword of honour

Commander Bruce MacRae presents the sword, before the Commanding Officer of the RAN College, HMAS Creswell, CAPT Andrew Cawley. Photo by ABPH Neil Richards

By LEUT Tom Lewis

A former sailor, Midshipman Andrew Callander has received a significant boost to his career with the recognition of his outstanding performance on the New Entry Officer Course that recently graduated at the RAN College.

He received the sword of CMDR Bruce MacRae, himself a “changeover” from sailor to officer many years ago, who made the donation while attending the Passing out Parade on June 20.

CMDR MacRae joined the Navy in September 1945 as a sailor and served in a number of ships, including the famous cruisers HMAS Shropshire and Australia. He saw significant combat in WWII.

Some years later, he was invited to take up a commission as an officer. He served in a variety of ships and posts until his retirement in 1977.

Midshipman Callander’s career in the Navy saw him join in 1993 as a sailor specialising in radio communications.

He served in several ships and spent the last three years on board the patrol boat HMAS Gladstone.

His award of the sword recognised “His outstanding officer-like qualities, exceptional leadership, and peerless good influence.”

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