Windy Geale to be farewelled today

FLEET Air Arm historian and Navy legend Bob ‘Windy’ Geale will be officially farewelled at 11am today at a funeral service held, most appropriately, at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

The much loved and respected man, who passed away on Sunday, was well-known for his remarkable service to three navies over his lifetime, in particular his voluntary service to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Just last month, on November 13, at the HMAS Albatross Ceremonial Divisions Windy was recognised for his past efforts and presented with a Commander Fleet Air Arm Commendation by the Reviewing Officer, RADM Neil Ralph AO DSC RAN (Rtd).

Commodore Tony Dalton CSC, RAN commended Windy’s “tireless and exemplary performance in his role as the Honorary Historian to the Fleet Air Arm Museum between 1985 and 2009”.

Windy’s forethought and diligence meant that invaluable research material remained available for historians, individuals and institutions seeking detailed information about the history of the Fleet Air Arm.

As a result, future generations of Australians will more fully understand the role of the Fleet Air Arm’s service to the nation.

Born Robert Edward Norman Geale in Ontario on March 19, 1925, Windy went on to forge a considerable and significant navy career.

He began as a young Canadian Naval Airman 2nd Class, who joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve and graduated in 1944 from Number 59 Royal Navy Telegraph/Air Gunners’ Course at HMS St Vincent.

He flew the Fairey Barracuda torpedo-bomber from the carrier HMS Formidable in 1946 and over the next four years he also flew the Firefly and the Mosquito, serving in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and Northern Ireland and flying from the Royal Navy carriers Colossus, Triumph and Victorious.

He transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950 and opened the second chapter of his flying career, qualifying as an observer and being promoted through to Lieutenant Commander.

The Royal Canadian Navy carriers HMCS Magnificent and HMCS Bonaventure were two of Windy’s ships, as was HMCS Terra Nova for his Bridge Watchkeeping training upon being commissioned.

The final chapter in Windy’s flying career was written here in Australia after he joined the Navy as a Tracker Tactical Coordinator in 1969.

He went on to be the Senior Observer on both 851 and 816 Squadrons (HMAS Melbourne II) and in 1978 served as the Commanding Officer of 851 Squadron.

He retired in 1985 after nearly 43 years continuous service in three navies, only to commence his voluntary role with the Fleet Air Arm Museum with barely a break in service.

Windy Geale was held in the highest regard by everyone with whom he was associated and his reputation remains without peer.