Barrie West

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Barrie Lawson West
Born (1934-01-11) 11 January 1934 (age 90)
Christchurch, New Zealand
AllegianceAustralia
Service/branchRoyal Australian Navy
Years of service1952–1989
RankRear Admiral
Battles/warsKorean War
Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation
AwardsOfficer of the Order of Australia

Rear Admiral Barrie Lawson West, AO (born 11 January 1934) is a retired senior supply officer in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).[1]

Naval career[edit]

West joined the RAN as a midshipman in 1952. He trained in Australia and the United Kingdom, then served in the Korean War and the Malaysian Confrontation.[2]

In 1968, he became an exchange officer with the United States Navy for three years.

On his return to Australia, West spent 12 years in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, at the Navy Headquarters, including postings as:

In 1984, West undertook studies at the Royal College of Defence Studies at Belgravia, London.[2]

West was promoted to rear admiral on 10 May 1985 and appointed as Chief of Naval Materiel, on the retirement of Rear Admiral Bill Rourke.[2] He retired from the Royal Australian Navy in 1989.

Awards[edit]

West was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (Military Division) in the 1988 Australia Day Honours for services to the navy as Chief of Naval Materiel.[3] He is also entitled to wear the National Medal with clasp.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Barrie Lawson West, Royal Australian Navy
  2. ^ a b c d Reshuffle in Top Navy Positions Archived 4 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Navy News Vol 28, No 6, page 3, 5 April 1985
  3. ^ a b West, Barrie Lawson, itsanhonour.gov.au