COMMANDER R.S. VEALE CMG VRD** RANR
1893
- 1987.
by
Shirley M. Joy.
Commander R.S. Veale CMG VRD** RANR
Leading the First
World War Veterans in the March,
Anzac Day,
As a small boy, Richard Stanley Veale, witnessed the departure from Port Melbourne of troops
who were destined to take part in the many military conflicts in which
Perhaps these events stirred in him the
desire to be part of
As a Naval Cadet he trained aboard the “Cerberus” which was moored alongside Gellibrand Pier, in the corner where the Naval Depot’s northern frontage joined the Gellibrand Pier.
“We cadets used to go aboard the “Cerberus” and drill with the .45 four barrelled Nordenfeldt guns, and a couple of light three pounders that she had. Occasionally,
we’d drill with the ten inch muzzle-loading guns in her turrets. We didn’t use a
projectile or charges, but we went through all the motions of the various numbers.
We didn’t actually run the guns out, or run them in, but we did do the ten inch
muzzle-loading gun-drill.” (1)
With the outbreak of World War I,
Midshipman Veale joined the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force
assigned to take control of the German Colonies north of
“But opposition of a sort was not quite over; early on the 12th. Bond rounded
up several more natives armed with rifles, and a party sent up from the base under
Midshipman
Veale, which reached the station at
of harmless sniping on the way.
After consultation with Colonel Holmes, Admiral Patey soon decided that the wireless
station was too isolated and useless to be permanently occupied. Bond was therefore
ordered to put it completely out of action, and to bring back the instruments with
him. This was effected by the afternoon of the 12th., and all the landing-parties,
returning at intervals to Kabakaul, were re-embarked on the destroyers and landed at
Herbertshöhe
that evening.” (2)
Richard
Stanley Veale (Stan)
April,
1909.
Aged 15 ½ years
Following his service during World War I
(1914 – 1918), Midshipman Veale was appointed to the Royal Australian Naval
Reserve (R.A.N.R.) Depot,
“When I was appointed Commanding Officer of H.M.A.S. Cerberus III at Port
R.A.N.V.R. Officers of equivalent rank. Therefore, Navy Office issued to me an
“Appointment” as Lieutenant-Commander, R.A.N.R. “Retired”, with Seniority of
1st. July, 1927 to give me precedence over any Lieut-Commanders, R.A.N.R.,
serving in H.M.A.S. Cerberus III.” (3)
Lieutenant-Commander Veale performed many and varied services in the course of his duty in the following years -
October, 1934 – An Assistant Organiser of the famous “Naval Pageant” at the
Royal Agricultural Showgrounds.
May, 1937 – He commanded the Naval Battalion at the Coronation Review
commemorating the Coronation of King George VI, and was awarded his
Coronation medal on 12th. May, 1937. (4)
Having reached the age of 45 years (the retiring age for Lieutenant-Commanders R.A.N.R.), on 5th. September, 1938 he volunteered to serve in, and was transferred to the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (R.A.N.V.R.) Thus, from being the senior serving (Executive Branch) R.A.N.R. Officer, he became the senior serving R.A.N.V.R. Officer, instead of retiring as an R.A.N.R. Officer.
Lieutenant-Commander R. S. Veale was
mobilized for full-time service in World War II on 26th. August,
1939; eight
days before the war commenced on 3rd. September, 1939. His appointment was: “Extended Defence Officer (
At
“Victoria
Naval District Order No. 45/1939 of
“Lieutenant-Commander R. S. Veale, V.D., R.A.N.V.R., is ordered to assume
command and authority over members of the Royal Australian Navy serving within
the Naval Depot, Port
By this appointment I became the first Naval Reserve Officer to command an
On the outbreak of war, all the Naval Reserve Depots in the capital cities had been named “H.M.A.S. Cerberus II to VI.” Lieutenant-Commander Veale became concerned that the similarity in names may lead to confusion in identification of specific Depots, therefore he recommended to the Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff, Captain J. Burnett R.A.N., that individual names be given to the Depots. His suggestion that the Naval Reserve Depot, Port Melbourne (H.M.A.S. Cerberus III), be named “H.M.A.S. Lonsdale” was duly accepted and he became its first Commanding Officer under that name.
After the death of his
wife, Myrtle Elvina, on 25th. June,
1940, Lieutenant-Commander R.S. Veale suffered a protracted illness and had to
relinquish command of “Lonsdale” on 28th. February, 1941. On recovery from his illness he was
appointed Naval Recruiting Officer, Victoria, in April 1941 on full-time
duty. In addition, he did duty as Duty
Staff Officer on the staff of District Naval Officer, Victoria, in conjunction
with Lieutenant-Commanders Heriot and Mills.
His duties also included those of Naval Liaison Officer with the
Director-General of Manpower at
On the entry of Japan into the war in December, 1941 Lieutenant-Commander R.S. Veale was appointed (on 12 January, 1942) Senior Staff Officer and Staff Officer (Operations) on the staff of the Naval Officer-in-Charge, Melbourne who was responsible for the South-eastern Naval Operations area from Cape Jaffa in the west to Cape Howe in the east, and south to the South Pole. (9)
“For a period of several days in May, 1942 there were 42 American warships,
from battleships down to small auxiliary craft and “yard” mine-sweepers, berthed
in the
them suitable berths alongside piers and wharfs. … … … Naval District
Order No. 28 of 7th. September, 1944 added the title and duty of “King’s Harbour
Master” to my appointment, and on 11th. July, 1945 a Naval Board appointment
amended my duties to also include those of “Staff Officer, Coastal Craft.” … …
Events such as those related above were typical of my service until I was
appointed (on 24th. July, 1945) for duty at Navy Office, Melbourne (with promotion
to the rank of Commander), as Inspector of Naval Recruiting, Chief R.A.N.
Rehabilitation Officer, and R.A.N. Representative on the Commonwealth Re-
Establishment and Re-employment Committee in the Department of Post War
Reconstruction.” (10)
In the years 1945, 1946 Commander R. S. Veale frequently visited H.M.A.S.’s “Cerberus”
“Lonsdale” (Victoria), “Huon” (Tasmania), “Rushcutter” (New South Wales), “Morton” (Queensland), “Torrens” (South Australia) and “Leeuwin” (Western Australia) in connection with rehabilitation and recruiting activities.
He was demobilised on 12th. January, 1950, after ten years and four months mobilised full time service, and remained on the Active List of the R.A.N.V.R. Officers until he was transferred to the Retired List on 4th. September, 1952, thus completing 43.33 years of Naval Service of which sixteen years had been “full-time”. (11)
Presenting the first British Flag hoisted in enemy territory
to the Port
Lieutenant Commander R.S. Veale on the right.
Lieutenant Commander H.A. Willian on the left.
On 16th. June, 1979, the Queen appointed Commander R. S. Veale a Companion
of The Most Distinguished Order of
Needless to say, after a dynamic career in
the Naval Service, and as an Executive Officer with the Metropolitan Gas
Company, Melbourne, Commander R. S. Veale and his second wife, Nancy Isabel,
did not retire to a quiet suburban existence at their home in
(13)
Richard Stanley Veale, aged 93 years, Navy
Commander, of
Commander R.S. Veale VRD** RANR Ret’d
Leading the March on Anzac Day, 25th April. 1976.
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVAL RESERVE
RECORD OF MOBILIZED SERVICE.
NAME (in full) VEALE Richard Stanley.
Official Number Lieutenant Commander R.A.N.V.R.
Date of Birth 5th. September, 1893. Place of
Birth
Religion Methodist.
Next of Kin Wife, died 1940. Daughter :- Margaret Elvina Veale.
Wife :- Nancy Isabel “Panmure”,
The above-named member has been mobilized for service by proclamation. He reported for duty on 2nd. September, 1939. Rank Lieutenant Commander.
DESCRIPTION OF MEMBER. Height 5ft. 8 ins. Particulars not requested.
Signed - For Surgeon Commander Shelton.
WAR GRATUITY Claim No. 41654. Amount £51. 0. 0d.
Wounds received in Action, Hurt Certificate granted, Meritorious Service, Special Recommendations, &c.
Dec, 1939 Credited £13 .0. 0d., Cerberus III.
Paid £71 .10. 0d. in lieu of 26 days accrued.
Paid £108. 7. 6d. in lieu of 30 days Re-estab. Leave.
Cerberus III Lieut. Cmdr., from 2 – 9 – 39 to 31 – 7 – 40
Lonsdale ditto from 1 – 8 – 40 to 31 – 12 – 43
Rushcutter from 7 – 11 – 42
Lonsdale from 13 –11 – 42
S O S from 12 – 2 – 43
Lonsdale from 19 – 8 – 44
Cerberus from 19 – 9 – 44
Lonsdale from 26 – 9 – 44
Navy Office from 25 – 7 – 45
Lonsdale from 29 – 1 – 47
Shore Demob. 12 – 1 – 50. Lons. 12535.
Previous mobilised service R.A.N.R. from August, 1914 to January, 1915. (See Blue Card).
Appointed R.A.N.V.R. date 5 – 9 – 38 on attaining age of retirement (45) in the R.A.N.R.
Approved transfer to R.A.N.V.R. be cancelled and transferred to Retired List, R.A.N.R. to date 5 – 9 – 38 but continuous service as R.A.N.R. Officer mobilized from Retired List.
Gaz 49/40. 432/215/303 of 24 – 2 – 40. Medical Survey Report dated 4 – 9 – 40. Disability – Neurasthenia – approved to be granted one months sick leave and re-surveyed at end of that period.
Medical Survey Report dated 4 – 10 – 40. Approved for one months light duty and then re-survey. Medical Survey Report dated 4 – 11 – 40 approved to be discharged to Full Duty.
Transferred to R.A.N.V.R. in the rank of Lieutenant Commander to date 1st. Oct. 1944 with seniority of 1st. July, 1927. Gaz. 206/44. 432/215/2183 of Oct. 44.
Appointed to “Cerberus” add. l for duty at
N.O. on joining and as Inspector of Naval Recruiting and Staff Officer
Rehabilitation on taking over with acting rank of Commander R.A.N.V.R., while
holding latter appointment. To be paid
the rate of pay and allowances prescribed in N.F.R. for Commander (on from)
whilst acting in that rank to date
Promoted Commander
R.A.N.V.R. to date
Demob. 12 – 1 – 50. A810312/936.
Transferred to Retired List 4th. September, 1951. Gaz/ 57/52. 4020/27/22.
Transferred to R.A.N.V.R. in the rank of Lieutenant Commander. – Date of appointment 5 – 9 – 38. Seniority in Rank 1 – 7 – 27.
Commission issued 6 – 7 – 39. Returned. Re-issued direct to Officer 24 – 8 – 45.
Appointed to “Cerberus” III for Base Staff 2 – 9 – 39.
Appointed “Cerberus” III for duty at N.R. Depot, Pt. Melbourne 25 – 11 – 39.
Corrigendum - Transfer to R.A.N.V.R. cancelled.
Transferred to the Naval Reserves Retired List 5 – 9 – 38.
“Cerberus” III for N.R. Depot, Port Melbourne (on cancellation of transfer to R.A.N.V.R.)
amending terms.
“Lonsdale” add.1 for recruiting duties 1 – 3 – 41, amending terms.
“Lonsdale” add.1 as Staff Officer (Operations) 19 – 1 – 42.
Trans. to R.A.N.V.R. in rank of Lieutenant Commander. Date of appointment 1 – 10 – 44,
Seniority in Rank 1 – 7 – 27.
Appointed “Lonsdale” as Staff Officer, Operations & Coastal Craft, amending terms.
“Cerberus” add.1 for Navy Office 25 – 7 – 45 & to “Cerberus” add.1 for Navy Office as Inspector of Naval Recruiting & as Chief Officer Rehabilitation as Actg. Commandr.
R.A.N.V.R. 31 – 7 – 45.
To be paid rates of pay and allowances for Commander (on promotion) whilst acting in that rank 31 – 7 – 45. Gaz. No. 166 of 30 – 8 – 45. Page 1882. Ex. Min 53.
Promoted Commander R.A.N.V.R. Date of Appointment 30 – 6 – 46. Seniority in Rank
30 – 6 – 46.
Date of Appointment Seniority in Rank.
Appointed Midshipman R.A.N.R. (0) 20 – 8 – 14 20 – 8 – 14
Appointed Midshipman Naval Exp.Force 19 – 8 – 14
Appointed a/Sub-Lieut. (tempy) R.A.N.R. 1 – 8 – 16 1 – 8 – 16
Appointed a/Sub-Lieut. R.A.N.R. 1 – 7 – 17 1 – 7 – 17
Appointed Sub-Lieut. (prov.) 20 - 8 – 17
Promoted Lieutenant 1 – 7 – 19 1 – 7 – 19
Promoted Lieut-Cdr. (R.A.N.R.) Gaz. No. 82 of 4 – 8 – 27. Page 1621 Ex. Min 170.
Date of Seniority 1 – 7 – 27.
Awarded Volunteer Officers’ Decoration
Apptd. to “Cerberus” (add.1) for 6 days’ training 10 – 10 – 32
Apptd. to “Cerberus” (add.1) for 13 days’ training 18 – 9 – 33
Apptd. to “Cerberus” (add.1) for 13 days’ training 3 – 9 – 34
Apptd. to “Cerberus” (add.1) for 13 days’ training 23 – 9 – 35
Apptd. to “Cerberus” (add.1) for 13 days’ training 31 – 8 – 36
Apptd. to “Cerberus” (add.1) for 13 days’ training 15 – 11 – 37
Apptd. to “Yarra” for 13 days training 1 – 8 - 38
Apptd. to “Cerberus” (add.1) for Navy Office to date 16 – 5 - 49
and as INR and CRO to date 21 – 6 – 49
“Lonsdale” add.1 11.49 and to Shore 12 – 1 – 50
Transferred to Retired List, C.N.F. 4 – 9 – 51
Gaz. No. 57 of 21.8.52 Page 3494 Ex. Min 60.
RECORD
OF SERVICE (OFFICERS)
NAME VEALE Richard Stanley. V.D. (448/201/406)
Date of Birth 5 . 9 .
93. Place of Birth
Next of Kin Mother, Laura,
Date of Joining R.A.N. or Permanent Naval Force 20 - 8 - 14.
Rank Midshipn. Gazette 74/14
Rank (O) Dates of Promotion 20 - 8 – 14
Midn. N.E.F. 19 – 8 – 14 74/14
A/Sub. Lt. 1 – 8 – 16 124/16
(tempy).
SPECIAL ALLOWANCES.
To date from 11 – 9 – 1914 Field allowance 1/- per diem (to 9 – 1 – 15).
£10. 0. 0d. Prize Money Paid.
Paid Final Share of Naval Prize Fund £6 . 13. 4d.
Paid Supplementary Share Prize Fund £1. 6. 8d.
WHERE ATTACHED FOR DUTY.
N. G. F. from 17 – 8 – 14 to 9 – 1 – 15
.. .. Pt. Phillip 2 – 8 – 14 to 9 – 8 – 14
N. G. E. F. 10 – 8 – 14 to 6 – 3 – 15
N. S. O. Pt. Melb. 7 – 3 – 15 to 11 – 7 – 15
Encounter 12 – 7 – 15 to 20 – 1 – 16
Una 21 – 1 – 16 to 23 – 3 – 16
N.S.O Pt. Melb. 24 – 3 – 16 to 12 – 6 – 16
N.S.O Fremantle 13 – 6 – 16 to 28 – 8 – 19
N.S.O. Pt. Melb. 29 – 8 – 19 to 30 –11 –19 Demobilised.
31 – 10 – 19 Application for Volunteer Officer’s
Decoration R.N. 448/501/373. (15)
(Some of the entries recorded in the “Records of Service” were written in pencil and, as a consequence, have faded and are illegible).
Gratitude is expressed to Richard Veale, (son of the late Commander R. S. Veale),
and CMDR John M. Wilkins RFD* RANR Ret’d., for their assistance in the
compilation of this report.
NOTES : -
(1)
Autobiographical Recollections of a
Naval Reserve Officer by
Commander R. S. Veale CMG VRD** RANR 1893 – 1987.
Edited by CMDR John M. Wilkins RFD* RANR Ret’d.
Published in 1997, page 17.
(2) The Official History of
The Royal Australian Navy by Arthur W. Jose. Angus and Robertson Ltd.
1941, pages 74 to 91.
(3)
Autobiographical Recollections of a
Naval Reserve Officer by
Commander R. S. Veale CMG VRD** RANR 1893 – 1987.
Edited by CMDR John M. Wilkins RFD* RANR Ret’d., pages 100, 101.
(4) Ibid., page 108.
(5) Ibid., page 111.
(6) Ibid., page 112.
(7) Ibid., page 116.
(8) Ibid., page 118.
(9) Ibid., page 119.
(10) Ibid., pages 120, 121, 122.
(11) Ibid., page 126.
(12) Ibid., page 128.
(13) Ibid., page 130.
(14) Death Certificate of Richard Stanley Veale.
(15) Royal Australian Naval Reserve. Record of Mobilized Service.
Veale Richard Stanley. Defence Corporate Services & Infrastructure
Department, Records Management, Personnel Records (RAN/RAAF)
Queanbeyan Annex 2,
Taken aboard “Cerberus” at
Black Rock,
Richard Stanley Veale and grandson Anthony Veale.
Taken aboard “Cerberus” at
Black Rock,
Richard Stanley Veale and grandson Anthony Veale.