Bill's Way

This book is dedicated to the life of William (Bill) Ritchie.

After humble beginnings growing up in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Bill joined the Navy at the age of eighteen. Training as a Radar Operator using relatively new technology, he was sent off to join boats serving in the Second World War. He served in the RAN for over thirty-nine years, and was actively involved in five wars and conflicts.

After serving on over twenty naval vessels and numerous naval bases, he retired with the rank of Commander, after a stint as commanding officer (Aus) of the Harold E Holt base in Exmouth

and a final stint as Executive Officer of HMAS Stirling.

In his retirement, he continued to serve his community and was a Member of the Order of Australia as well as being the recipient of seventeen service medals during his career.

This is Bill's story.