Commando News Magazine Edition 9 Jan 22

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS
VALE ROBERT (BOB) HAYDN JONES
3781080 20 National Service Battalion
3165815 2 Commando Company
Bob did his three months full-time compulsory
National Service in mid-1959 and was posted
to 33 Company Royal Australian Army Service
Corps. He immediately transferred to 2 Commando
Company, along with others who had suffered the cold
at Puckapunyal in the 20 National Service Training
Battalion, including Denis Jenkins, Ian Wischusen,
Peter Beasley, Alan Schwab, Barry Higgins and Frank
Wheat land.
Bob completed his 12 months obligatory part-time
service in March 1960, by choice, in the Commandos
and then remained in 2 Cdo Coy as a volunteer CMF
member, alongside his fellow ‘Nashos’ and Commando
friends.
Bob showed his talent when he was selected for the
Basic Parachute Course in November 1960, a relatively
short waiting time for the highly sought-after course.
He qualified alongside good mates Ernie Conyers,
‘Herbie’ Ross, Dan Lorkin, Geoff Woodman and other
Unit members.
After completing many physically demanding
courses and camps, the pressures of work and family
life saw Bob discharge in July 1964 after five years of
dedicated service.
Bob was a strong supporter of the Victorian
Commando Association and on moving to Queensland
remained involved through the newly-formed Queens -
land branch.
Bob’s family wrote, "Vale Robert Haydn Jones
(Bobby/Papa). The passing of a true free spirit and
force of nature. Father to Kirri Spencer, Dan and Rob.”
“Dad valued his early days as a Commando in the
army and was well known for always having a go, being
a perfectionist and doing things in his own way. He
successfully raised a family with Mum (Sue) and later
lived with his partner Verlie on the Gold Coast where
he passed peacefully on Friday. He was a straight
talker, a genuine honest bloke with a generous spirit.
Dad was a traveller, marathon runner, pilot, lover of
Tchaikovsky, bush poetry and most importantly he was
our dad. Papa, you will be missed."
Bob’s daughter Kirri wrote: “Over the years we
enjoyed hearing stories about the Commandos. Dad
even taught us a few ‘Army moves’ if we ever got into
trouble! I still remember them”.
Kirri invited any of Bob’s Army friends to attend a
memorial for Bob at the Harp of Erin Hotel in Kew East
on December 3rd. Kirri said, “A few drinks and time to
reminisce.”
All members of the Association offer their sincere
sympathy to all of Bob’s family.
Bob, left, with Jim Trainor, right, visited friend Nobby Clarke,
a Royal Marine veteran, when Bob was on a visit from sunny
Queensland in 2008.
Bob with his Queensland Association friends in 2010.
From left: Denis Jenkins, Keith Long, Tony Mills and Bob.
Photos supplied.
For all advertising please contact…
Russell Maddocks
Statewide Publishing P/L ~ 0432 042 060
Email: russell@commandonews.com.au
www.commandonews.com.au
COMMANDO ~ The Magazine of the Australian Commando Association ~ Edition 9 I 2022 15