21 March 2024
On March 15, a memorial service at Naval Chapel Garden Island honoured the life of Rear Admiral (retd) Guy Richmond Griffiths.
It was a poignant occasion attended by the Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Navy personnel and family, commemorating his remarkable service to the Royal Australian Navy and his enduring legacy.
Rear Admiral Griffiths, who died aged 101, lived a life characterised by dedication and commitment to his country.
His journey in the Navy began as a young cadet midshipman in 1937, when he was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy at 13 – his formative years coinciding with the tumultuous period of World War 2.
Rear Admiral Griffiths’ resilience and courage were evident when, as a 17-year-old midshipman serving on HMS Repulse, he survived the devastating air attack by Japanese bombers during the Naval Battle of Malaya in 1941, a tragic event that claimed the lives of 840 sailors.
Despite the harrowing experience, Rear Admiral Griffiths continued to serve with distinction, transitioning to various naval vessels, including battleship HMS Revenge and destroyer HMS Vivian.
His contributions to pivotal operations in the South-West Pacific, such as the Leyte and Lingayan Gulf campaigns, showcased his valour and leadership.
Notably, his gallantry during the Lingayan Gulf operation earned him the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross.
Rear Admiral Griffiths’ career spanned beyond World War 2, extending into the Korean and Vietnam wars, where he demonstrated unwavering dedication in the face of adversity.
His command of the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, from 1973 to 1975, solidified his reputation as one of Navy’s most distinguished leaders.
Promoted to Rear Admiral in 1976, he assumed the role of Chief of Naval Personnel. He retired as Flag Officer Naval Support Command in 1980.
Vice Admiral Hammond said he was honoured to attend the funeral and celebrate Rear Admiral Griffiths' life and career.
“Rear Admiral Griffiths joined the Navy in 1937 and dedicated 43 years of his life in service to our nation,” he said.
“He defended our nation during wartime, surviving the sinking of HMS Repulse at 17 years of age, and showed great leadership in disaster relief operations, providing support to Darwin after the impacts of Cyclone Tracy.
“Rear Admiral Griffiths left a significant mark on our Navy and our nation’s history, and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”
