Ahoy - Mac's Web Log

June 02, 2009

Canberra survivor

Dear Sir,

thank you for your informative blog.

I read that you have a  list of crew of HMAS Canberra at the Battle of Savo Island.

I believe my uncle served on the Canberra. Walter Valentine Windram, known as Val, 1905- 1956. A career navy man he suffered terribly post war from apparent post traumatic stress. He died before I knew him, but other family members paint a grim picture of  his post war life. He never married and had no children. I would like my children to know something more of him for remembrance.

I have seen his paper service record, which states he was compensated for the loss of his kit on the Canberra.  However this document is difficult to read.

Below is the only photo of him I know exists. He is the taller of the two.

So please confirm if you are able that he was indeed serving on the Canberra during her final days.

Thanks again
Debra De Biasi
 

Debra,
 
Yes he appears on the unwounded survivor list as:
 
Able Seaman Walter Windram 16927.
 
Here is your Uncle's Certificate of Service:

Able Seaman
WALTER VALENTINE WINDRAM
16927

Service  Royal Australian Navy
Date of Birth  14 February 1905
Place of Birth  CAULFIELD, VIC
Date of Enlistment  28 September 1925
Home Port/Port Division  MELBOURNE, VIC
Next of Kin  MARGARET
Date of Discharge  26 October 1945
Posting at Discharge  HMAS Lonsdale

Regards,  
Mac.

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