Next generation of Foord family

By LCDR Mick Gallagher

The Foord family proud of their latest diver L-R: Victoria, Irene, Andrew, Raymond and Alexandra Foord.

Three generations of Navy clearance divers were praised at HMAS Penguin when eight sailors graduated from Basic Clearance Divers Course 56 (BCD56) after 32 weeks of training.

Among those graduating was SMNCD Andrew Foord from Sydney. There in support were his parents Irene and Raymond, and his sisters Victoria and Alexandra.

Victoria is POMED (U) Foord from the Medical Training School at Penguin who in 1995 completed her Ship’s Diver Course.

Andrew’s father is former WOCD Raymond “Dixie” Foord who joined the RAN in 1967 commencing his Clearance Diver’s training at the former naval establishment HMAS Rushcutter in Sydney.

He completed four trips to Vietnam in HMAS Sydney (the Vung Tau Ferry) before returning to Rushcutter for the move of the Diving School and CDT2 to HMAS Penguin in 1968.

Andrew’s eldest sister Charmayne sent her congratulations from Qld while his grandfather Raymond Foord Snr “Big Dixie” sent his best wishes from Perth. They were both thrilled at another member of the family gaining his helmet.

Raymond Snr “Big Dixie” paid off as a CPOCD in 1965 from HMAS Rushcutter where he was the Principal Clearance Diving Bomb and Mine Disposal Instructor.

In 1955 he was posted to the RN Diving School at HMS Vernon in the UK.

During this time he received the British Empire Medal aboard HMS Victory for three separate commendable diving duties.

SMNCD Andrew Foord was also presented with the “Gutz” Effort Award by POPT Brad Walsh, for his top performance in the physical environment.

The John Ingram Memorial Shield, for Dux of Course BCD56, was presented by WOCD Paul Darcey to SMNCD Daniel Gordon.

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