Excerpt from Voices of Australian Veterans by Brian Robertson
Local resident and Forest Lake & Districts RSL Sub-branch member, Brian Robertson wrote about our member, Vic Jones, in his book. After a brief introduction, Brian passes the script over to Vic to provide a first-hand account.
Vic Jones grew up in rural Ekibin in the 1930s, then comprising dairy farms, poultry farms, several Chinese market gardens, and not many houses. It was a large suburb, today incorporated into Tarragindi. He took up an apprenticeship in 1945. At nineteen he joined the Royal Australian Navy, a lifelong dream and after a short spell on the cruiser, HMAS Australia, Vic was assigned to HMAS Bataan parked up in drydock at Cockatoo Island. She sailed in January 1952 for a second tour of Korea with Vic on board.
At sea, his duties were in the radar room but in port Vic was one of three crew members responsible for the captain’s motor launch. On returning from Korea, they arrived in Sasebo Harbour at Nagasaki Island, Japan amidst a fleet of American warships. After dropping anchor, the captain had to go ashore to an important meeting in the launch.
The captain was dressed in whites, with medals and his launch crew in their best uniforms. As they motored across the harbour, the ships were ‘dipping and pipping’ their flags as complements. The three crew members were at their stations.
In Vic’s words “Commodore Bracegirdle is standing amidships and ordering us to stand so we can be seen clearly. I can feel and almost see the pride our captain is projecting. Suddenly he turns towards me and says … Jones, have you got water at your feet?” After investigating and discovering the engine cooling water pump line had ruptured, and the launch was filling with water, the captain announced they were sinking. To save the vessel and their pride he ordered an immediate return to the ship!”
The destroyer HMAS Bataan, serving in the Korean War, conducted frequent naval bombardments of North Korean positions and was duly approved Battle Honours for such service between 1950-52.
On returning to civilian life, Vic experienced a few jobs before settling as a taxi driver, ultimately acquiring his own car, and continuing the business in Brisbane until the late 1970s. As Vic said … “Mind you, taxi driving was a fascinating job in many ways, and some of the people you met were, to say the least, unusual.” Given the city history of the sixties and seventies, as later unfolded in the Fitzgerald corruption inquiry, he was a silent witness to some intriguing events, several of which he touched on.
When Vic and his wife Eileen moved to Brisbane in 1954, they purchased a cocker spaniel. This led Vic to dog shows and ultimately judging, firstly on an informal basis, but ultimately as fully qualified judge for all dog groups under the auspices of the Canine Control Council Queensland, both here and internationally.
Vic has been a member of the club for many years and is the only representative from the RAN. He holds the formal position of Sergeant at Arms and is therefore responsible for extracting fines from recalcitrant members at the close of each meeting. He delivers his findings with a twinkle in his eye and much mirth. Vic raises a large amount of money each year that reflects the generosity of the members.
Check out Brian’s book available by emailing brian@booksbybrian.com.au, or by ordering through Booktopia.
Credit: “Voices of Australian Veterans” ISBN: 978-1-922958-64-8 by Brian Robertson.
