By BRIDGET COOK
WHEN John Richardson joined the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), he wanted to serve his country where it was, on the frontline or in post-war operations.
And that’s exactly what he did for 12 years with the RNZN and something he continues to do to this day.
These days however his focus has shifted to looking after the welfare of other returned servicemen and women like himself.
Mr Richardson, from Cranbourne, was only 15-and-a-half years old when he enlisted with the RNZN after jumping through a few hoops, given he just shy of the 16-year-old age requirement at the time.
“I was in the cadets when I was young so it was always something I was interested in,” he said.
“My father wanted me to follow in his footsteps and become a surveyor.
“However I said no and told them I was going to join the navy.
“They were very reluctant but they let me.
“In saying that, they were the first people in the wharf when we would return from an operation.”
Mr Richardson joined the RNZN in 1955, at the end of the Korean War.
For the next 12 years he was assigned to a number of operations.
“I was first put on the HMNZS Royalist, which was a cruiser, where we conducted patrols in the post-war period,” he said.
“We went up to the far east, to the port of Pusan in South Korea.
“We spend 18 months in the area helping with the mopping up efforts after the war.
“We also did a number of goodwill visits to places including Saigon, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila and Japan.
“I was a stoker on the ships, which is like a mechanical engineer these days.”
After finishing up on the Royalist, Mr Richardson was then deployed on the frigate Pukaki which was sent to the Antarctic.
It was their responsibly to provide up-to-date weather reports and an air-sea rescue service of Operation Deep Freeze aircraft.
Mr Richardson said most of his time was on ships and it was something he really enjoyed.
“That time of my life was great and I enjoyed being involved. I’d do it again if I had to,” he said.
Since finishing his time with the RNZN, Mr Richardson has turned his focus to helping returned soldiers.
After moving to Australia from New Zealand, Mr Richardson got involved in the Cranbourne RSL more than 10 years ago when he moved to Cranbourne.
There he has served on the committee and as the welfare officer, something he has had cut back only recently due to illness.
“As a welfare officer, I did hospital visits, home visits, attended funerals and duties like that for returned soldiers,” he said.
“A role like this is vital in RSLs so veterans know they are not alone.
“That’s why I encourage younger soldiers to get involved in RSLs.
“They are there for your enjoyment, welfare and benefit.
“We can help you with assistance you might need.
“It’s about letting them know they are supported and help is always available.”
Mr Richardson was also instrumental in the creation of the restored Macchi MB326H jet trainer aircraft that now flies high at the Cranbourne RSL, which honours Defence Force personnel who were killed in training.
On Anzac Day, Mr Richardson said he will be at the Cranbourne Dawn Service and march to remember all those who had served their country.
“It’s a very important day in our national history,” he said.
“For us it’s about meeting our old mates, talking about the old days, remember those lost and showing a uniting front.
“It’s great to see more and more people turning out to services, particularly children.
“It’s something that should never be forgotten.”
