FALCONER, David Wilmot (1931-1978)
David Falconer was born at Drumcondra on 11 March 1931, the son of Herbert W Falconer. He was enrolled as a day student at Geelong College from 13 February 1941 to December 1944. Previously he had attended Newtown State School and his address at enrolment was 190A Noble St, Geelong.
On 31 January 1945 David enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Pegasus reported his progress in December 1948:
'Midshipman David Falconer, now bound for England and the Royal Navy, captured the cricket and rugby cups in his final year at Flinders.'
Pegasus of December 1951 reported: 'David Falconer has almost completed his period of training with the RN, and expects to return to the RAN next year.'
The Pegasus of June 1952:
'Sub-Lt David Falconer completed his training with the Royal Navy and is on special work with submarines and the Fleet Air Arm. He hopes to be back in Australia for Christmas.'
He served (No. 0355) in Korean waters for 250 days on HMAS Condamine, as Lieutenant D W Falconer, from 26 February until 2 November 1955.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs lists him with Vietnam Service (No. 0355) as a Lieutenant-Commander with the Royal Australian Navy on HMAS Melbourne. Details of his Vietnam service are as follows: ' HMAS Melbourne 31/05/1965 - 22/06/1965, HMAS Melbourne 25/04/1966 - 06/05/1966, HMAS Melbourne 25/05/1966 - 09/06/1966.'
In 1969 he moved from Watson's Bay to HM Naval Dockyard at Williamstown.
The Pegasus of March 1970 further reported:
'Commander David Falconer takes over as Captain of the Navy's newest fighting ship, the destroyer HMAS Swan.'
In 1971, it was noted that he was Captain of HMAS Lonsdale.
His service ended with his death on 1 August 1978 at which time he held the rank of Commander.
Sources: Ad Astra September 1968; Ad Astr March 1970; Ad Astra September 1971; 'Geelong Collegians at the Second World War and Subsequent Conflicts' compiled by J Affleck p565-6 (citing The Pegasus; Australian War Memorial; National Archives). OGC 1944.