Defence – ‘Whither or Wither’

Our speaker will be Commodore J S Dickson AM, MBE, RAN (Ret’d).
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word ‘odyssey’ as describing a ‘long journey with adventures’.

Jim Dickson has been on a sailor’s odyssey since he joined our RAN as a 13 year old Cadet Midshipman in January 1950. His long journey encompassed sea training in both the RAN and RN, operational service in Malaysian and Vietnam waters as part of the far Eastern Strategic Reserve during the Malayan Emergency, service in the Vietnam war in both HMAS PERTH II and HMAS SYDNEY III, and in HMAS GULL during Confrontation with Indonesia in 1965-66.

Commodore Dickson commanded 3 ships, the Minesweeper HMAS Gull in 65-66, the frigate HMAS YARRA III in 75-76, and the Guided Missile destroyer HMAS BRISBANE II in 80-82. His shore appointments included 2 years both as CO of HMAS CERBERUS, and as Naval Officer Commanding Victoria in 1988-90 .

Jim Dickson’s career has taken him from Macquarie Island to Finland, and from Japan to the West Indies. His Naval service began at CERBERUS in 1950 and ended there 41 years later there in 1990. Certainly: ‘A Long Journey with Many Adventures!’

Jim’s topic may well intrigue you, but it will be well worth hearing! In the years since he left the service he has been involved in a variety of ex-service organisations. Jim has always had the interests of his beloved Royal Australian Navy, the defence of his country, and the “Naval’ family at large to the fore in all his endeavors. Don’t miss hearing what he has to say! You and your friends/partner etc will be made very welcome.

Date: Monday 23 September 2013

Time: 7.30 pm

Location: The Melbourne Naval Centre 146W Toorak Road, South Yarra (Melways 2LE4 – opposite Fawkner Park in the ESU Building).

Note: The Centre opens at approximately 6.30pm to facilitate use of our excellent library.