Submarines

Association

Australia 

In Memory of

WOMTPSM Robert Dunstan R54322

Vale Robert (Bob) Dunstan

The Submarines Association of Australia regrets to announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Dunstan.

Born in Adelaide in April 1936, Bob completed an apprenticeship in boilermaking before enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy as a Direct Entry Engine Room Artificer (ERA) in April 1958. Following his initial recruit training, he was appointed Acting ERA 4th Class (Petty Officer) in June 1958. After completing shore-based marine engineering training, he was posted to the Q- class frigate HMAS Queenborough to qualify at sea, serving aboard her until April 1961.

Within days of joining Queenborough, Bob embarked on his first deployment when the ship sailed for Cairns and Darwin, and then to the Far East as part of the Commonwealth Strategic Reserve element of the Royal Navy Far East Fleet. The ship would not return to Sydney until mid- May, when it entered a refit period. During this deployment, Bob was awarded his Boiler Room Watchkeeping Certificate. Over the next two years, he continued to advance his engineering qualifications, achieving his Engine Room Watchkeeping Certificate in January 1961.

In April 1961, Bob fell foul of the "Joss Man" and received a sentence of 42 days in detention— initially suspended and later remitted. As was customary, he was promptly posted, joining the light fleet aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, where he served until mid-1962. Subsequent postings included the destroyer escort HMAS Yarra, the hydrographic frigate HMAS Barcoo, and the hydrographic ship HMAS Moresby, which was then under construction in Newcastle, NSW. Bob commissioned Moresby and remained aboard until March 1965, during which time he was advanced to ERA 1st Class (Chief Petty Officer).

Seeking a new challenge, Bob volunteered for submarines and was posted to the United Kingdom for training at HMS Dolphin in Gosport, followed by sea time aboard a Royal Navy submarine. While in the UK, he was rated as a Provisional CERAD and later returned to Australia to join HMAS Onslow as her commissioning CERA during her build. He subsequently served at Navy Office in Canberra, and on 9 January 1976, was promoted to Warrant Officer. He discharged from the RAN in the late 1970s.

Warrant Officer Robert Dunstan passed away in either late July or early August of this year, and his funeral was held on 5 August. Further details are not known at this time.
Although Bob was not a member of the Submarines Association of Australia, he was a submariner, and the Association extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

May He Rest In Peace