LCdr Robert "Bob" “Windy” GEALE,  MBE, RAN (Ret'd)

  
xxx

          LCdr Bob "Windy" Geale MBE RAN (Ret'd) , ...former Commanding Officer 851 Squadron, RAN (Trackers) and Curator of the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra, Australia, died on Sunday afternoon 6 December 2009.
            Bob began his Naval career with the RNVR in 1943 where, as a TAG, (a Telegraphist Air Gunner)  he flew in RN "Swordfish" aircraft. Later, he went on to fly as an Observer in RN Barracudas.
            In 1956, Bob transferred as an Observer to the RCN where he flew in Avengers, Trackers and Sea King aircraft.  In 1961 he was appointed to H.M.C.S. Stettler on Canada's west coast and in 1965 he was appointed to H.M.C.S. Venture as a Navigation Instructor.  He returned to flying Sea Kings from H.M.C.S. Shearwater. Bob's last appointment in the RCN was as Officer in Charge of the Sea King Flight Simulator in H.M.C.S. Shearwater.
            In 1969, Bob transferred to the Royal Australian Navy where he continued his flying career in Trackers until his retirement from the RAN in 1980.
            Between 1985 and 2009, Bob continued to serve the RAN Fleet Air Arm as an Honorary Historian to the Fleet Air Arm Museum which is just outside the Main Gate at H.M.A.S. Albatross, home of the RAN Fleet Air Arm. On the 10th November 2009, Bob was presented with a Commendation at "Divisions" in H.M.C.S. Albatross for his tireless and exemplary performance in his role as Honorary Historian, .........

          Bob's Obit, ...as written up in Australia's "South Coast Register", .........

  This is a copy of one of the last eMail message that "Windy" sent out to his "Venture friends" from down under:  
  From down under I am very happy to see [the Signal] come in regularly.  Another Beaut day and it’s early Fall, but the beaches are still busy with swimmers, snorkelers and, of course, surfers.
          For myself, I am still busy in my capacity as the Historian of the Australian Fleet Air Arm Museum which is just outside the main gate of HMAS Albatross, the home of the RAN Fleet Air Arm.  The Sea Kings of 817 are due to be replaced shortly with MRH-90s and in time the Seahawks of 816 will have to be updated; it’s a busy place.
          Trust you will all have a good year.
Bob Geale,      Staff,  HMCS Venture,     1965 		 

RADM Neil Ralph AO DSC RAN (Rtd)
and Bob.  and
 

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