BAIRD, Richard Malcolm KM AMBorn on 23 August 1934, the son of Charles Alexander 'Keith' Baird and Elizabeth Jean Lavinia (nee Outtrim), Richard Malcolm Baird was a day student at the College from 15 September 1938 to December 1947. His address at enrolment was 53 Shannon Ave, Geelong. He served with the RAN from 1948 to 1989 becoming afterwards a farmer at 'Wanstead Park', Campbell Town, Tasmania.
The
Pegasus of December 1951 reported:
'At the recent passing-out ceremony at the Royal Australian Naval College, Chief Cadet, Captain Malcolm Baird was recommended for His Majesty's consideration for the award of the King's Medal, as having exhibited the most gentleman-like bearing and good influence on his fellows. He sailed for England in November (1951).' Pegasus of June 1952
'After a long cruise in the West Indies, Cadet-Midshipman Malcolm Baird (KM) RAN spent three weeks in a motor tour of England and Scotland. He has since rejoined his ship, HMS Devonshire, for a Mediterranean cruise.' Pegasus June 1953
'Midshipman R M Baird returned to Australia last March in HMAS Vengeance. After a few months in Australian waters he will probably return to England to complete his course.' Pegasus June 1957:
'Lt Malcolm Baird served for seven months on the Royal Yacht, Britannia, and joined HMAS Warramunga for exercises in South East Asia.' He was Captain of the Royal Australian Naval College at Jervis Bay in 1977-78, Commodore of the 1st Australian Destroyer Squadron in 1979-80, Naval Adviser to the Australian High Commission in London (1981-82), Director-General Naval Manpower and Training, Canberra (1982-85), and Naval Officer Commanding Western Australian Area (1985-89). He was awarded the Australia Medal in 1985. The Department of Veterans Affairs list him as serving (No. 031) in Vietnam as a Commander on HMAS Sydney from 21 May 1968 to 30 June 1968 and HMAS Yarra from 22 February 1971 to 1 March 1971.
Who's Who in Australia 1988 lists his commands: HMAS Yarra (1970-72), Creswell (RAN College 1976-78), Brisbane and of First Australian Destroyer Squadron (1979-80); and his ships from 1952 to 1966 as HMAS Melbourne, HMAS Yarra, HMAS Warramunga, HMAS Anzac, HMAS Condamine, HMAS Vengeance and HMAS Australia.
His father,
Charles Alexander 'Keith' Baird (1899-1960), and brother, Charles Stuart Baird were also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: 'Geelong Collegians at the Second World War and Subsequent Conflicts' compiled by J. Affleck, p560 (citing The Pegasus; Australian War Memorial; National Archives; Kerith A Cadman (Ed.), Who's Who in Australia 1988.); Department of Veterans Affairs Nominal Rolls.