BARRY J. BENFIELD R37112 CPOWTR

Barry James BENFIELD born at KURRI KURRI, NEW SOUTH WALES, on 02 November 1930. Attended Infants, Primary and High School at KURRI KURRI and High School at BROADMEADOW (Central Junior Technical School). Started work in 1947 as a Junior Clerk with NEWCASTLE Electrical Supply Authority (NESCA).

Enlisted in the AUSTRALIAN Navy on 21 March 1949, as a Recruit Writer at HMAS RUSHCUTTER - then off to HMAS CERBERUS to commence Recruit Training. On completion of Recruit Training was promoted to Seaman Writer and posted to HMAS PENGUIN. Promoted to Able Seaman Writer and drafted to HMAS AUSTRALIA (Heavy Cruiser) was promoted to Leading Seaman Writer. HMAS NIRIMBA (Naval Air Station) on the Staff of Captain (Air Australia) which was transferred to the Staff of the Flag Officer in Charge East Australian Area at HMAS KUTTABUL. HMAS QUADRANT (Anti-Submarine Frigate) for Service on the Far East Strategic Reserve during the MALAYAN Emergency - Service on the Japanese Pearling Patrols in DARWIN/BROOME Area as well as five days in DILI in then PORTUGEASE TIMOR - promoted to Petty Officer Writer. HMAS ALBATROSS, HMAS HARMAN then to HMAS TORRENS for the Naval Staff at the Maralinga Range Support Unit during the Atomic Bomb Testing period. Then posted to HMAS PENGUIN for the Australian Military Adviser's Staff at the South East Asia Treaty Organization Headquarters in BANGKOK, THAILAND, promoted to Chief Petty Officer Writer. HMAS PENGUIN and HMAS ALBATROSS and was discharged on 24 March 1964.

MEDALS & DECORATIONS.

AUSTRALIAN ACTIVE SERVICE MEDAL W/CLASP "MALAYA"
AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEDAL W/CLASP "FESR"
LONG SERVICE & GOODCONDUCT MEDAL
AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE MEDAL
RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE BADGE

HMAS AUSTRALIA