Submarines

Association

Australia 

In Memory of

WOMTP5SM ROBERT WILLIAM WALKER R42722

May He Rest In Peace

The SAA is saddened to advise of the passing of SAA member Robert (Bob/Blue) Walker in Adelaide from a heart attack on the 19th of January 2025.
Bob Walker was born in Pittsworth Queensland in April 1947, and he entered the RAN as a member of the January 1963 intake of Naval Apprentices at HMAS Nirimba. He was rated as an ERAA in June 1963 and as an ERAD3 in December 1966 on his graduation from Nirimba.

On graduation Bob posted to the Fleet Transport HMAS Sydney in January 1967 where he would serve until January 1968. Whilst serving in Sydney Bob would make four trips to Vietnam. He was advanced to Acting ERAD2 in December 1967.

In 1967 Bob volunteered for submarines and he commenced his submarine training at HMS Dolphin in England in February 1968. This was followed by a period at sea on the Royal Navy Oberon Class submarine HMS Otter, where he obtained his submarine qualification (Dolphins). On his return to Australia Bob served in HMAS Ovens, Otway (Twice) Oxley and Orion. His final sea posting was to bring HMAS Otway out of her SWUP refit as her CPOMTP in 1982.

After his discharge from the navy, Bob relocated to Adelaide where he worked for a number of years at the Australian Submarine Corporation, initially in the Integrated Logistic Support and later in the SUBSAFE section. In retirement Bob enjoyed the great Australian tradition of caravanning.

The SAA extends its condolences to Bob’s wife Patricia, his extended family and friends.

A service is to be held at Smithfield & Elizabeth Funeral Directors, 579 Main North Road, Elizabeth North on Thursday 30th January 2025 at 14.00 (2PM) This will be followed by some food / drinks and a celebration of Bob’s life at the Clubrooms of the Northern Community Residential Village, 50 Andrews Road, Penfield.