LCDR Donald James Parker Watson RAN (Ret’d)
and CPOMTPSM John (Connie) Francis.
Don ‘Tickety Boo’ Watson joined the Royal Navy in 1943 as a young 13 year old and following his initial officer training at the Royal Naval College he joined HMS AMBUSH as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1950. Upon gaining his submarine qualification Don joined HMS SCORCHER in 1951 before leaving her in 1953 to join HMS TELEMACHUS then serving with the Fourth Submarine Flotilla in Sydney. During his time in TELEMACHUS Don spent some time based out of Japan where the submarine was supporting ASW training for ships involved in the Korean War. He loved his time in Australia and when the opportunity arose to transfer to the RAN Don took it. He served as the Executive Officer in HMAS SYDNEY during the Vietnam War and then took a job with Pilkington Glass in Sydney where he stayed for many years, living in Darlinghurst.
He joined the Tasmanian Branch in 2000 soon after he arrived in Hobart from Sydney. On arrival Don immediately immersed himself in the local theatre and arts scene where he made many friends. He also made many friends amongst the local submarine fraternity and was a regular at many of our meetings and social functions before age and infirmity slowed him down in recent years.
Don is now on Eternal Patrol having died peacefully at the Gardens Claremont on Saturday, 9th March. A funeral Service will be held at 11.00 am on Monday 18th March 2019 at the Wellington Chapel, Queens Walk, Cornelian Bay Cemetery. Members are cordially invited to attend if available.
In lieu of flowers donations directly to RHH Research would be appreciated.
Fellow Submariners, it is with a a heavy heart and my sad duty to inform you that John (Big Connie) Francis crossed the bar this afternoon from the big "C"
Alan Francis in Adelaide rang me two hours after his passing.
Our hearts, condolences and our support go out to his Wife Aurora and Family and God bless you and give you the strength to navigate through these next few days until arrangements are made.
We will be advised in due course
Sadly, Shut and Clipped.
THE SUBMARINER’S PRAYER
O Father, Hear our prayer to thee
For your humble servants
Beneath the sea
In the depths of oceans, as oft they stray
So far from night, so far from day
We would ask your guiding light to glow
To make their journey safe below
Please oft times grant them patient mind
Then ‘ere the darkness won’t them blind
They seek thy protection from the deep
Please grant them peace when ‘ere they sleep
Of their homes and loved ones far away
We ask you care for them each day
Until they surface once again
To drink the air and feel the rain
We ask your guiding hand to show
A safe progression sure and slow.
Dear Lord, please hear our prayer to thee,
For your humble servants
Beneath the sea.
