JAN-MAR 2010 VOL 72 No1 - Navy League of Australia

(From left to right) Chief of Navy, VADM Russ Crane, Federal President of the Navy League Mr Graham Harris, and
Federal Secretary Philip Corboy (background) enjoying a frank and open discussion on the future of the RAN with
its most senior officer and leader.
many of the submissions made by the
League to Government.
During the luncheon an address by guest
speaker, the former Chief of Navy VADM
David Leach, who amongst many other
comments, revealed that Geoffrey’s
standing was such that he was referred
to as the unofficial fifth member of the
Australian Commonwealth Navy Board
(ACNB).
60 years is a remarkable length of time to
give to any organisation. I was very glad to
be able, on the occasion of the luncheon,
to thank Geoffrey for his work for the
League. To further mark the occasion the
Victoria Division of the League presented
Geoffrey with the Victoria Division’s limited
edition Cook Cannon. BZ Geoffrey.
against Australia and New Zealand during World War Two.
Second prize was awarded to Nigel Beeke for his essay on The Sinking
of Force Z – The Twilight of the Battleship.
Third prize went to Murray Dear who wrote The Battle of The River
Plate – A retrospective View. Murray Dear lives in New Zealand, so
it should be no surprise that on the 70th anniversary of the battle he
should choose this topic.
The success of the Essay Competition is pleasing. It is to be hoped that
next year there will be even more entries than in 2009.
As they do each year, our State Divisions reported to Federal Council
on their activities. These reports illustrate the range of activities in
which the League is involved. Each Division deserves thanks for their
particular contribution to the health of the League.
The next annual meeting of the League will be held in Canberra in
October 2010.
Geoff Evans (standing) speaking about some of the more memorable moments of his
time in the League with VADM David Leach to the left. (Jane Teasdale)
GEOFF EVANS
On 9 November 2009 at the ‘Heroes Club’, Toorak, in Melbourne, a
luncheon was held to honour the contribution made by Geoffrey Evans
to the Navy League of Australia upon his retirement from the League’s
executive. The luncheon was organised by Victorian President John
Wilkins and enjoyed by 23 members and others.
Geoffrey joined the League in 1949. He was a Federal Councillor of
the League from 1950 to 1995. He was Senior Officer Australian Sea
Cadet Corps for 20 years. He became Victorian Division President in
1967 and Federal President in 1971. He remained Federal President
for 24 years. Following his retirement as President Geoffrey chaired
the Advisory Council of the League until last year.
This summary of the positions held gives but a small indication of the
work done by Geoffrey for the League. He was throughout a regular
contributor to the pages of THE NAVY magazine. He participated in
THE NAVY VOL. 72 NO. 1 05