Vale - Legacy

VALE



November 2008

London Legacy is saddened to announce the passing of Lieutenant Commander David William Woodcraft RAN C.Eng.,F.I.Mar.EST on the 25th October 2008 aged 69 years.

David was a loving husband and father to a large family. He was born on the 17th of April 1939 in London, UK. He married Elaine Reddan on the 11th of February 1961 and leaves behind four daughters, one son, fourteen grandchildren He was deeply devoted to them, and during his long final illness they were always with him. Also were his Navy, London Legacy widows and colleagues, Royal British Legion, and service mates from the HMAS Sydney Association in Australia who kept in touch right down to his last hours.

David passed away just 3 weeks before the memorial service for HMAS SYDNEY II, a subject which was dear to his heart. The service is to be held at St Clement Danes church in London on 19th November to remember the 645 officers and sailors who perished.




From top left to right Legatee Fred Lewis, the late Noel O'Brien, Legatee, Hon Sec Liz O'Brien, Legatee President Lindsay Birrell RAN (also member HMAS SYDNEY ASSOCIATION) and the late David Woodcraft RAN (past member HMAS SYDNEY ASSOCIATION). From bottom left to right Legatee Frank Beeny RN, Legatee John Gwilt RAN (member HMAS SYDNEY ASSOCIATION) and Legatee Peter Gibby RAAF.
David followed our steps day by day in the planning and organizing of the London service and the HMAS Sydney Association, London Legacy and all his mates will be thinking of David and his family at this service at which Elaine, David Jr and daughters will attend.

A special Anthem will be sung by Helen Parker, with Peter Long on the organ in memory of David and all sailors who have served their Country with pride including those officers and sailors from HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran.

Davids distinguished career qualifications include:

Professional:

Certificate First Class Engineer of Steamship and Motorship, Chartered Engineer, Fellow Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology.

Service Record

1955 – 1957

Home Guard

1955 – 1964

Merchant Navy 1955-64 - all ranks from Engineer Cadet to Second Engineering Officer. 1960 served in HMT Dunera. RNR Sub Lt (E) 1961-64, 1962 HMS Victory, Excellent & Llandaff.

1964 – 1974

Royal Australian Navy

Transferred to the Royal Australian Navy as Engineer Lt Supplementary List.

Served in HMAS Sydney III 1964-66 during confrontation with Indonesia and Vietnam War.

1966-69 HMAS Cerberus as Depot Maintenance Engineer and MTO then Divisional Officer- Senior Engineer of Marine Engineering School.

1969-71 Senior Engineer HMAS Stalwart, promoted to Lt Cdr and transferred to General List.

1971-72 MEO & electrical Officer HMAS Moresby.

1972-74 HMAS Moreton as BEO & command Technical Officer Queensland.

1974 – 1999

Transferred to RAN Emergency List/Reserve List.

1974 MN Chief Engineer Officer of chemical tanker MV Stainless Warrior.

1974 Joined Lloyd’s Register of Shipping as Engineer Surveyor, with service in London Outdoor, Nigeria, Abu Dhabi, Lowestoff, Tilbury and London HQ, RETIRED 1999 as Senior Ship & Engineer Surveyor in charge of Machinery Defects Database.

1999

Transferred from Reserve List to Retired List RAN.

Associations

Royal Naval Association, Basildon 1997-2002, Treasurer & Standard Bearer.

London Legacy Treasurer 1999-74, President 2005-2007.

Royal British Legion Basildon Branch 1999, Treasurer, Welfare Caseworker, standard-bearer.

RBL Essex County 2002, Treasurer, Independent Examiner, County Instructor.

UK representative HMAS Sydney & Vietnam Logistic Support Veterans Association (Vic) Inc.
Collector for King George Fund for Sailors.

Member

Legatee, London Legacy (www.londonlegacy.com)

Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia

Vietnam Veterans of America

HMAS Sydney & VLSLA (Vic) Inc.

Royal British Legion

Fellowship of the Services

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology

Life Member 4th Battalion The Essex Regiment Comrades Association

Association of Royal Navy Officers

National Trust

WE WILL REMEMBER HIM

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