Currents
The museum mourns a generous supporter and friend Vale Rear Admiral Andrew Robertson AO DSC RN (rtd) 1925–2020
RADM ANDREW ROBERTSON, who died in July, had a long and distinguished career in the Royal Australian Navy. He joined the RAN in 1939, just before World War II began, and even as a cadet excelled in every aspect of training. He saw active service in World War II and afterwards was stationed in Japan as part of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force. In the Korean War, Andrew Robertson was a gunnery officer aboard HMAS Anzac, and for his service was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He later held numerous senior appointments and initiated the establishment of the Australian Naval Aviation Museum, now the Fleet Air Arm Museum. He was appointed Officer in the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 1980 for service to the Royal Australian Navy and the defence force, and retired from the RAN in early 1982 after 43 years of service. RADM Andrew Robertson had profound input into the establishment and shaping of this museum. He was Deputy Convenor of the Advisory Committee for the Australian National Maritime Museum in 1985 and Deputy Chairman of the Interim Council from 1985–88. He drafted a proposed charter and influenced all aspects of the museum’s physical and museological planning. As well as being a generous donor, he remained a strong supporter. RADM Robertson was awarded an Honorary Life Membership of the museum in 1991 and appointed as the museum’s first Honorary Fellow (the museum’s highest level of recognition) in 2016. Kevin Sumption, Director and CEO, stated in the recommendation for this honour, ‘His impact on the founding of the museum was profound and is enduring.
70 Signals 132 Spring 2020
Over and above RADM Robertson’s contribution to the museum, he is a person of the highest distinction and the museum would be well served by association with him. His achievements in his naval career and his honorary work for the Navy League of Australia and the HMAS Sydney Association are strongly aligned with the mission of the Australian National Maritime Museum.’ Mr Sumption states, ‘The Council and staff of the museum are saddened by the loss of our great friend RADM Robertson. He was one of our earliest champions and we bear daily witness to his legacy in the work we do here. The Windjammers Sailors statue, in the museum’s forecourt, was donated by RADM Robertson and is much loved by our visitors. Andrew and I would have lunch regularly at the museum to discuss its future. Andrew’s passion and enthusiasm were electrifying and his greatest interest was always in ensuring that the next generation was better informed about our nation’s unique maritime history. Personally, Andrew was a wonderful inspiration to me. I feel blessed to have been considered a friend and will greatly miss his warmth, wit and incredible intellect. Our deepest condolences go to his family.’ RADM Robertson is survived by his wife Patricia (Pat) and children Angus, Jane, Julia and Bruce. Steve Riethoff
