Long navy life a sea of memories

It has been almost 70 years since Bill Ritchie joined the navy as a fresh-faced 20-year-old.

Although he retired almost three decades ago, the 87-year-old remembers his service time as though it was yesterday.

Born in Kalgoorlie, Mr Ritchie always knew what he wanted to do from a young age.

“About the age of nine I got some idea that I wanted to be a sailor and when World War II broke out I was too young,” he said.

“But as soon as I turned 18 I reapplied to the navy and was eventually accepted and joined the reserve in July 1944.”

Mr Ritchie began training at the Royal Australian Navy reserve until a friend suggested they apply for radar training.

Both were accepted and were sent to RAN Station 284, now known as HMAS Watson, in Sydney.

It didn’t take long for Mr Ritchie to become an able seaman before being promoted to leading seaman, petty officer and finally chief petty officer.

Over his career he spent time serving in about 20 ships or establishments, including the HMAS Fremantle, HMAS Platypus, HMAS Stuart and HMS Ark Royal.

Aboard these ships he went to several countries, including Korea, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

While still serving, Mr Ritchie met his wife, Joan, the couple was married for 56 years before she died.

They had three sons and a daughter, three of whom work at Garden Island, and Mr Ritchie now has 10 granddaughters and a grandson.

Before retiring, Mr Ritchie was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to the navy, particularly at HMAS Stirling.

He said that when he retired in 1983 it was the first chance he had to live a normal life.

One of his biggest achievements since leaving the navy has been setting up and operating the Rockingham Tourist Information Centre as a volunteer.

He was even made a life member of the Rockingham and Districts Tour Authority.

With Anzac Day approaching, Mr Ritchie has been reminiscing about his time in the navy.

“Anzac Day means a lot to me,” he said.

“I remember all the friends I’ve had and those who have died, and particularly having served in HMAS Perth and HMAS Sydney I am very associated with those ship organisations and their history.”

Mr Ritchie said it was also important to him because his father was involved in the first landing at Gallipoli as a medic.

On Anzac Day, Mr Ritchie plans to attend the dawn service and go to breakfast at the Rockingham Navy Club as he does each year.

He said he would also attend mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church and watch marches on television in the afternoon.

As well as his Anzac Day commitments, Mr Ritchie also attends the HMAS Perth and HMAS Sydney memorial services each year.

“It’s just something that’s a part of the culture of our life,” he said.