GRAND EXIT (Top): Pallbearers carry the casket from the Naval Chapel at Garden Island during the funeral ceremony for ADML Hudson.

Photo: ABPH David McMahon

SOMBRE MARCH (Above): The funeral procession at Garden Island Naval Base, Sydney.

Photo: ABPH David McMahon

FAMILY TIES (Left): Chief of Navy VADM Chris Richie and the widow and grandson of the late ADML Hudson during the funeral procession.

Photo: ABPH David McMahon

REMINDERS (Far left): ADML Hudsons peaked cap, ceremonial sword and medals are laid out on top of his coffin during the ceremony.

Photo: ABPH Nina Nikolin

By LCDR Mick Gallagher

The RAN honoured the passing of ADML Mike W. Hudson, one of the Navy’s longest serving Chief of Naval Staff, with a full Naval honours funeral at Garden Island-East (GI) on March 4.

With many standing, more than 300 filled the chapel at Garden Island in Sydney for the service.

This was followed by a funeral firing party gun salute and a Naval gun carriage funeral procession. Sailors in white lined Endeavour Road as the carriage proceeded from the GI chapel to the main gates of GI, followed by family and friends “It all went with Naval precision as if the button was pressed and it all just happened,” said a thankful Mrs Carla Hudson.

The procession had been coordinated with precision by CAPT David Letts, LCDR Samantha Jackman, and LCDR Birgitte Jensen, all from CN’s staff, and CPOB Greg Morris from Command Ceremonial.

The CO of Creswell CAPT Tony Aldred led the procession as the OIC Funeral, followed by the Chaplains and the RAN Band- Sydney Detachment of 32 musicians led by LEUT Michelle Coleman.

Next in line was CMDR Mike Reis from Waterhen and his funeral firing party of 24 from HMAS Manoora.

The gun carriage moved ceremoniously as some 140 sailors in slow step, led by CAPT Peter Leschen from MHQ, paraded the coffin through GI to the waiting hearse.

The farewell service was conducted by The Right Reverend Tom Frame, Anglican Bishop to the Defence Force, assisted by Principal Chaplains Eric Burton DGCHAP and Simon Hubbard RANR.

“He is special, he is unique. When we die we leave a void which no one can replace,” said Bishop Frame in his Sermon address. The Bishop in earlier days was an occasional flag officer to ADML Hudson.

Many current high-ranking and retired Service personnel were present including CDF General Peter Cosgrove, CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston, CN VADM Chris Ritchie and former CN VADM David Shackleton.

“ADML Hudson was a visionary for today’s modern Navy.

It was great to have the funeral service on Navy territory. We will miss him deeply,” said VADM Ritchie.

The Eulogy was given by RADM David Campbell Rtd with Bible readings by RADM Kaye Vonthehoff Rtd and VADM Ian Knox Rtd.

Many relatives and friends attended including ADML Hudson’s sister Lindy Kerr and his three sons Mat, Tim and Angus.

“In his childhood days at Mosman, Mike used to watch the Naval shipping from Balmoral,” said Lindy, who with Mat and Angus gave family reflections at the chapel service.

Mat had followed his father and served 20 years in the RAN.

“The service was so well done.

Michael was a wonderful guy,” said Olivie Belcher, cousin to Mrs Carla Hudson.

Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill representing the PM attended as well as Opposition Leader Kim Beazley.

Former PM Bob Hawke, who promoted Mike Hudson to the rank of four star Admiral, was also in attendance. The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by ABMUSN Ken Ellis.

ADML Hudson was born in Taree NSW on 10 March 1933 and joined the RAN in January 1947 at the age of 13 as a Cadet Midshipman at HMAS Cerberus.

He graduated with the King’s Medal and then specialized in Navigation.

ADML Hudson commanded HMA Ships Vendetta, Brisbane, Stalwart and Melbourne and saw active service in Korea, Malaya and Borneo.

His later positions included, Flag Officer Commanding HMA Fleet (FOCAF-now MC), and Chief of Naval Staff (now CN).

He played an important role the introduction of the Collins class submarines, Anzac Class frigates and establishing two-ocean basing for ships of the RAN.

ADML Hudson retired from the PNF on 08 March 1991 after career of 44 years.

He is survived by his wife Carla; sons Mat, Tim and Angus; and grandsons Campbell, Jasper and Ned.

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