HMAS Armidale II Scatters Ashes Over the Resting Place of HMAS Armidale I

15 January 2009 By LEUT Jeff Spagnol

On 22 November 2008 Attack Two (LCDR D.L. Curtis, RAN) embarked in HMAS Armidale (II), scattered the ashes of the late LEUT Frank Bartley Walker RANR (Retd), over the final resting place of HMAS Armidale (I), while returning from Kupang, Indonesia after completing EX CASSOWARY 2008.

HMAS Armidale (I) was sunk during WWII by Japanese planes off Timor on 1 Dec 1942, after being struck by two Torpedoes and possibly one bomb. She sank in three to four minutes and clamed the lives of 100 men. During the battle Ordinary SMN Edward Sheean remained at his post at the after Oerlikon gun and though wounded continued firing until he was killed at his post as the ship sunk. Though he was mentioned in dispatches his gallantry was never awarded.

Frank Walker was the author of many books including HMAS Armidale – The Ship That Had to Die. He served in the RAN during WWII as an Anti-Submarine Officer in Corvettes and was the editor of the Corvette’s Association News Letter and vigorously campaigned for the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to Ordinary SMN Edward (Teddy) Sheehan.

It was therefore befitting that the ashes of the late Frank Walker be scattered in the vicinity of the Ship he wrote so much about. At 1000 I/K the church pennant was hoisted, the Ensign lowered to Half Mast and Ship’s Company was fallen-in in ceremonials. After a moving obituary read by the Commanding Officer, the ashes of the late Frank Walker were scattered with Volleys fired during the Naval Hymn. The stirring event was followed by the Last Post, Reveille and Australian National Anthem.

Frank Walker is survived by his wife Erika, sons Peter and Frank, three grandchildren, a great-granddaughter and a stepdaughter, Sharon. Lest we forget.

Ashes of the Late Frank Walker accompanied by his book, "HMAS ARMIDALE Lives On," The Australian White Ensign and an Officer's White Service Cap.

Ashes of the Late Frank Walker accompanied by his book, "HMAS ARMIDALE Lives On," The Australian White Ensign and an Officer's White Service Cap.

Ships Company of ATTACK TWO embarked in HMAS Armidale fallen in for the blessing and commitment.

Members of ATTACK TWO fallen in under the charge of LEUT Kylie Beumer, RAN.

Volleys fired by the Funeral Firing Party on completion of the scattering during the playing of the Naval Hymn.

Commanding Officer of HMAS ARMIDALE LCDR Dion Curtis, RAN and Fourth Officer MIDN Christopher Standen, RAN saluting during the playing of the Last Post.

"Ships Company of ATTACK TWO embarked HMAS ARMIDALE fallen in on the Forecastle (Left to Right) Third row: ABMT Heath Gallagher; LSBM Thomas Clunie; ABMT Nicholas Joy; LSET Burke Hansen; LSBM Clint Lee Second row: LSCK Teranga Jones; ABET Nathan Paley; LSNPC Anthony Tobias; ABMT Tim Reynolds; LSMT Scott Imms; ABCK Nathan Wood; SMNBM William Sharkey; ABBM Shane Balch; ABBM Morgan Sando; ABBM Thomas Kelly; LSCIS Aaron Clement; CPOMT Hagaur Jensen Front row: POB Keith McKlackland; CPOMT Trevor Gilgen; LEUT Jeffrey Spagnol, RAN; LCDR Dion Curtis, RAN; CPOB Phillip Durnan, CSM; MIDN Christopher Standen, RAN".

The Ashes of the Late Frank Walker being Scattered of the transom steps of HMAS ARMIDALE by Fourth Officer, MIDN Christopher Standen, RAN.

Fourth Officer, MIDN Christopher Standen, RAN fallen in beside the Ashes of the Late Frank Walker accompanied by his book, "HMAS ARMIDALE Lives On," The Australian White Ensign and an Officer's White.