Sandy Freeleagus
We started this website and the various books and publications to assist two causes. The Starlight Foundationand Rural Aid the profits from the sale of items and services offered on this website go to those organisations.
My background
When I was 16 years old, I ‘ran away’ and joined the navy as a Naval Artificer Apprentice in July 61 for an initial engagement of 12 years. I joined HMAS Nirimba and trained as an Ordnance Artificer (Fitter and Turner). For the 5th year of my apprenticeship, I was cross trained in high power electrics and electrical supply and distribution. I joined HMAS Vampire (pre refit) in 1966 and served on her for 2 years as ‘X’ turret OA. In November 1968 I volunteered for submarines and flew to the UK in January 1969. I trained there as an electrical high-power artificer in HMS Dolphin and HMS/M Opossum and returned to Australia in July 1970. My Australian boats were HMAS Ovens, HMAS Otway (five straight years) and HMAS Oxley based at HMAS Platypus. I was promoted to Warrant Officer and sent to Navy Office Canberra. I left the navy in 1981 after serving for 20 years 1 month.
As a civvy, I joined Qantas International Air Freight as a clerk and stayed with them for 14 years. I retired from Qantas as a Customer Services Supervisor (equivalent status to a CPO in the navy). In 1967, I married Robyn (the Rob of HiRob) and had two sons (one deceased). We retired to a waterfront block on Macleay Island Queensland overlooking North Stradbroke Island when I turned 50 years old. I have a loving wife, a loving son, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren – and I could ask for nothing more. I’m blessed. I’ve had a wonderful and exciting life and despite the negatives, I would not have it changed it for the world.
Sandy HiRob
