Ronald John Robertson aggregated collection of papers

fonds

1946-1978

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Photographs, Clippings, Ephemera

9661070

0.21 metres of textual material (1 box and 1 folder) includes photographs

In January 1962 Captain Robertson was loaned to the Royal Navy to attend the Imperial Defence College in London and to undertake the ‘Long Tactical Course’ held in early 1963. He returned to Australia in May that year and was subsequently appointed the Director of Reserves in Navy Office before assuming command of the RAN flagship HMAS Melbourne in January 1964, one month prior to the aircraft carrier’s tragic collision with the destroyer HMAS Voyager (II) on the night of 10 February 1964.

The first of two Royal Commissions concerning the loss of Voyager (II) was subsequently convened in lieu of an expected Naval Board of Inquiry. The Commissioner in his report criticised Captain Robertson’s actions that night despite the fact there was no evidence to support that criticism. Without the benefit of a trial by Courts Martial, Robertson was dismissed his ship and posted to the shore establishment HMAS Watson, prompting his resignation from the RAN after 34 years of loyal service. In resigning Robertson demonstrated his high principles at the injustice of that criticism but in doing so he sacrificed all financial entitlements under the Defence Forces Retirement Benefit Fund.

The second Royal Commission held in 1968 exonerated Captain Robertson of any blame, finding that the responsibility for the disaster lay with Voyager (II).
Although too late to recover a once promising career, some compensation was granted for the loss of his retirement benefits. Many felt that Captain Robertson had been let down by the navy and in subsequent years this single event continued to have a major impact on the navy and its values. It was an unfortunate and premature end to Robertson’s otherwise remarkable career.

In civilian life Captain Robertson worked as a Personnel Manager at Farmers and Graziers and then for Dalgety and Co before retiring and returning to the sea in a 41 foot yacht in which he sailed the islands to the north of Australia. Captain Robertson, DSC, RAN (Retd) died on 17 July 1980.

COLLECTION 1:
Ronald John Robertson papers, 1946-1978

COLLECTION 2:
Ronald John Robertson papers, 1953-1960

(Reference: http://www.navy.gov.au/biography/captain-ronald-john-robertson. Sourced 19 February 2014)