Shipmates are advised of the recent passing of (SFX 661437) Gerry Gullen on the 7^th December 2003 at Caboolture, north of Brisbane, Queensland. Gerry is survived by his wife Mavis, son Marcus and wife Shelly and grandchildren Nathan, Amy and Liam along with his eldest son Bryn.

Gerry began his RN service at HMS Ganges in July 1946 as a 14 year old Boy Seaman. A year later and he was aboard HMS London for two years of overseas service in the Far East. As a newly promoted AB Gerry saw action during the Yangtze Incident before returning home in September 1949. Following his time on the London Gerry changed speciality to become a Meteorological Observer. Some of his other ships included Britain’s last Battleship HMS Vanguard and the London’s sistership HMS Cumberland.

Gerry left the RN to seek his fortune in the world of business in 1956. He met and courted Mavis during his time in London and they married in 1957. He joined Lewis Berger Paints as an industrial chemist and successfully established important processing plants in southern England. Gerry was also to establish similar plants in Ceylon, however the outbreak of civil war there required Gerry’s talents be instead utilised in Australia and the family migrated to Brisbane, Queensland in September 1967.

Gerry’s leadership, technical ability and ready wit enabled him to occupy a number of management roles in manufacturing industries within the growing state of Queensland for nearly forty busy years. Taking on positions and starting-up companies in industries as diverse as transport, plastics manufacturing, concrete-forming, coiled-steel, paint, stationary even beer delivery ensured Gerry was widely regarded by all who met him and shared his appreciation of a fine scotch.

Gerry’s great sadness was the loss of his daughter Tracey, then 19 years old, in a road accident in 1978. This was tempered by his great joy in the role of "Grandad" to the latest generation of Gullen’s and an encyclopaedic knowledge of British naval and military history which he loved to relate. Gerry was an active member of many returned services and was a great "mate" to many.

To my brother and I, nothing was more memorable than those evenings when Dad told the stories shown in those aging snaps from his "ditty box" --- stories of iron ships and of duty and honour amongst a vibrant young crew in the Far East.

It was Gerry’s most treasured memory and to honour my father I honour you all,

His shipmates.