Received a call yesterday from Robbie Crofton (Bob's son) that his father passed away in a Central Coast hospital Friday 13OCT23 (or possibly the day before). Bob lived in Wingham NSW for many years and the Veterans Advocacy Group with the Wingham RSL sub-branch and others looked out for him and progressed his claims prior him needing to move in to an residential care facility near Toukley a few years ago. His health hadn't been good for many years primarily from an injury while on STUART which DVA belted him from pillar to post. Sadly, after his "incarceration" (his words) in Toukley, I didn't get the opportunity to visit him as COVID kept his facility mostly in lockdown. Fortunately we did speak often and, while physically flogged out, his mind was as good as gold with a great sense of humour. No funeral details at this stage but Robbie indicated that it would probably be a private, family funeral.

Bob was an OA and did Vietnam service on HMAS STUART followed by two years secondment with the Malaysian Navy teaching/maintaining their weapons to which he was very proud.

Will let you know if and when a funeral is to occur.

Regards,

Tim Kennedy

_________________
Tim Kennedy
CPOETW5
S112395
JR 39th (Ramsay Apr 72) Muppet Jan 73
5 Apr 72-11 Aug 95 (CFTS 23 Jun 03-5 Oct 04)
Leeuwin, Nirimba x2, Duchess, Waratah (Great Lakes 77.81.90), Brisbane x2, Hobart x2, Perth, Waterhen x2, Cerberus, Kuttabul x heaps, Waratah (Dam Neck 94 x 2).

It appears that Robert (being an OA) may have passed out after 6th Term to finish his apprenticeship training at Cerberus with the EAs in his Intake.

Although this means that my sprog term, (July '62 to Dec. '62,) would have overlapped with his sixth, I can't recall his name or his face, however, it's
always sad to learn of another 'Pioneer' crossing the bar...

Rest on your oars Robert, your voyage is done... VALE and rest in peace, Brother MOBI...

_________________

Rick Pengilly
WEBMASTER
Ex-CPOMTH3
R42630
13th MOBI Intake
July'62 to July'74
HMAS Nirimba - HMAS Melbourne - HMAS Cerberus - HMAS Tarangau - HMAS Lonsdale - HMAS Tarangau - HMAS Nirimba - HMAS Brisbane

I remember Bob Crofton from Nirimba. Never served with him, but it is sad to see another early Mobi cross the bar. RIP Bob.

_________________

John Kelly (WEBMASTER)
R42620
Ex-WOMTH
13th MOBI Intake
July'62 to July'83
Nirimba x3 - Rushcutter - Sydney x2 (Carrier) - Melbourne (Carrier) - Penguin - Kuttabul - Creswell x3 - Stalwart x2 - Brisbane.