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The public service for the late Lieutenant Commander Henry “Nobby” Hall, MBE, OAM, RAN (ret) certainly brought back a flood of memories for a number of local people.
There were lots of Nobby stories told, lots of memories and fun times relived for many people.
One of those was Vincentia man Gordon Young, whose father, also Gordon, had served with Nobby.
Able Seaman Gordon Young Snr was a forward gunner and served on two ships with Nobby that were sunk, HMAS Canberra and Shropshire.
“They also served on Kanimbla and Kuttabul,” Mr Young said.
“Another time they were bringing a cargo ship that had been captured into port when it was also sunk before they could get there.
“Nobby was a great man, a real character.
“They always had great stories.”
Nobby also held a secret for Young Snr, which he agreed not to tell his son until after he passed away.
“Nobby pulled me aside after dad’s death,” Gordon said.
“Dad was always keen on boxing and introduced me to the sport - he told me it would make a man of me.
“We boxed a bit and I never beat him, although I never hit him out of respect.
“It turned out my dad was the boxing champ of the Canberra and as Nobby said ‘You never would have beat him anyway.’
“I never knew that.”
Mr Young said Nobby always cared about “his” people.
“I remember going to a service at Garden Island for the Canberra. Nobby came up and said it’s good to see you here and asked how my dad was. I told him he had passed away,” Mr Young said.
‘Well, you’ll have to read the service for him,’ he said.
“Unfortunately Nobby will miss the big 75th anniversary of the Canberra sinking on August 6.
“Through my dad I’m part of the Canberra Association. I’m sure there were be a few beers had on that occasion, especially for Nobby and stories relived.
“His name will also go up on the plaque on the wall at Garden Island marking the passing of the Canberra’s members.”