hs817.org

Welcome to HS817.org. My name is Alan Ritter and during my 6 years in the Royal Australian Navy I worked as and aircraft electrician ( ATWL) primarily assigned to HS817 Squadron operating the Seak King helicopter. I spent 2 years working as a member of Petty Officer Jack Davies team maintaining aircraft on a 3 shift rotation. I also billeted for 2 years at the old and new Corrosion Control facilities and returned to squadron duty for my final 2 years with the RAN.

One of memories I have that I want to share is my foray into clothing merchandising while an Able Seaman on the squadron. I was working full time doing squadron level corrosion control on our kites when around the base I saw a sailor wearing a well worn t-shirt with another squadrons’ badge on it. One of the fixed wing squadron I think. Anyhow I made inquiries as to where the owner purchased it only to discover that it had been purchased many years before and was no longer available. I realised an opportunity to make some money could be siezed by the right man and I was going to be that man. At home I outlined my plan to my wife and listened to her advice and quickly made a plan of action.

Read more

The Australian Navy published a promotional publicity brochures for each naval air squadron in the early 1980’s. Few examples remain but you can view a scan of the HS817 brochure HERE

Rocky Wilmott

S2G Tracker baffle

I first met Leading Seaman ATA ‘Rocky Wilmott’ on my first day employed at the old Corrosion Control facility. This was a tiny grungy quanset hut that was non descript from the outside and covered in spray paint on the inside. Rocky was one of two leading seaman working there, the other was LSATA Paul Koppe. The facility was run by Chief Petty Officer Phil Carey and supervised by Chief Petty Officer Pete Flemming.

Read more

29/05/1978 Lieutenant Commander A.H. Craig
04/05/1979 Lieutenant Commander K.B. Englesman
03/04/1980 Lieutenant Commander W.M. Kimpton
30/03/1981 Lieutenant Commander J.W.J. Nicoll
21/01/1983 Lieutenant Commander H.E. Campey

A full list of 817 squadron commanders can be found
HERE

In 1982 a few of the sailors decided to publish a monthly newsletter to encourage communication from the higher ranks to the lower ranks. The layout was very simple and unsophisticated but each issue was eagerly anticipated by all ranks. Nothing beats getting your name in print.
Very few copies exist nowadays and are collectibles. The newsletters were roneod (Roneo Copier) and distributed to all squadron members and made for good discussion topics in the both the JS crew room and the senior sailors crew room. They featured articles regarding upcoming squadron events along with safety orientated articles, but by far the most entertaining snippets were the caricatures of key squadron personnel and the ubiquitous wanted and for sale adverts. You can view the newsletters HERE