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HMAS #78: RICHARD PEEK Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Smittengranny: This series has come to the end of its life. With pine plantations being cleared and new suburbs encroaching on the area, it needs to be archived. Thanks to all who helped with the CITO this morning and to all who have supported the series. Special thanks to Cankid for the research and original placement of the series.

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Hidden : 6/14/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Information about this Series

The HMAS cache series has been created by Cankid and Delta Response Team to celebrate the 2013 fleet review and this is 78 of 101 caches. The series features 53 ships, 11 bases, 20 knighted seamen, 5 engagements and 1 cache about the RAN. There are also 9 puzzles for each section of the series, with one final cache. There is also one extra for the enthusiasts out there. The series can be done in a day and is best done in order. The best mode of transport in doing this series is bike.

The Location

The series is located just off Coppins Crossing road and continues through an area quite close to the arboretum. Park at the parking coordinates as provided in the first cache and continue from there. Please show caution and do not obscure the gate. This series will take almost all day so plan ahead, take water and snacks for the trip. As said previously, it is best done by bike. Most of the caches are on fire trails but there are some where you will have to go off track to find them.

This cache



Richard Innes Peek was born on July 30 1914 at West Tamworth, New South Wales, and entered the Royal Australian Naval College in 1928, where he passed out with top marks.

He completed his initial training with the Royal Navy in 1934-35, when he was awarded five first-class certificates in his sub-lieutenant exams: in seamanship, academic subjects, gunnery, torpedo and navigation.

He then served in the Australian heavy cruiser Canberra and the British battleship Royal Sovereign before specialising in gunnery; at the outbreak of war he was serving in the battleship Revenge.

In 1941 Peek returned to Australia to join the light cruiser Hobart as gunnery officer, and saw action in the Mediterranean and the Far East.

At the Battle of Leyte Gulf he was on the bridge of Australia, standing near the captain, Captain Emile Dechaineux RAN, when a kamikaze aircraft struck the ship. Dechaineux and 30 men were killed and 56 wounded, including Peek, who suffered burns.

For his skill and courage in helping to save the ship from further damage, he was appointed OBE. He was also awarded the DSC for skill and devotion to duty during an earlier amphibious assault at Lingayen Gulf.

Peek led the RAN contingent in the victory celebrations in London in 1945 and remained in England to complete a staff course, before becoming Commander, 1st Frigate Squadron in the River class frigate Shoalhaven in 1951.

During the Korean War, while in command of the destroyer Tobruk, he was awarded the US Legion of Merit. He was deputy chief of naval personnel in 1954 and took command of Tobruk again from 1956 to 1958 as Captain, 10th Destroyer Squadron. Four years later he commanded the aircraft carrier Sydney, and subsequently the Australian flagship, Melbourne.

In 1964 he was promoted rear-admiral and was appointed fourth naval member and chief of supply of the Australian Commonwealth Naval Board. From 1965-67 he Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. He was then Flag Officer Commanding Australian Fleet in 1967, before becoming Chief of Naval Personnel in 1968. In November 1970 Peek was promoted to Vice Admiral and appointed Chief of Naval Staff. Peek was appointed CB in 1971, and knighted in 1972.

In 1973 Peek retired to take up farming, but continued his involvement in Australia's naval defence. He provided expert advice to parliament as recently as the 2009 white paper discussion process and was a tireless advocate for naval veterans of all campaigns.

Vice Admiral Sir Richard Peek passed away on August 28 2010. He is survived by a son and two daughters.

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