I was a cadet midshipman [1960-1] at RANC Jervis Bay. Out of a class of 32, 8 were killed on duty by 1964. I was fortunate enough to be made aware of the iniquities of service life when I was publicly and ceremonially caned for owning up to smoking a Benson and Hedges cigarette. Two of us owned up when the entire class was also guilty.
Why was I fortunate? I resigned from the navy. I am alive, am a non-smoker and am very sympathetic to the young female cadet.
The Australian
7 Apr 2011
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