| George Crocker
1st Class Petty Officer
Received a Long Sercice & Good Conduct Medal in 1903 - Long Service & Good Conduct Medals to the Permanent Members of the Royal Aystralian Navy 1902 to 1956, A.O. Chaffey, West Launceston, Tasmania.
" Good Old George" Honored.
A WALLET OF NOTES.
A touching incident occurred on Wednesday evening at the Pasco-street drill-room, when Chief Petty Officer George Crocker, retiring cadet instructor, was the object of a presentation by the Senior Naval Cadets. It took the form of a wallet of notes.
Leading Seaman Jack Bates,- in a neat speech, - told how it was with feelings of deep regret they were parting with their old instructor, who was known among the lads as "Good Old George", (Applause.) With pleasure he was about to hand over a small token of their regard. There had been times when Mr. Crocker had had to put up with a good deal of inattention, but the boys' hearts were with him all the same. (Applause.) He had great pleasure in handing over this slight mark of their appreciation. (Loud applause, and '"He's a jolly good fellow.'')
Instructor Crocker, who was visibly affected; said that what he appreciated most was not the intrinsic value of the gift, but the, spirit that prompted its giving. He had. been, for 30 years connected with the Victorian naval forces, and had always striven to do his duty. Hundreds of boys had passed through his hands. Although he was leaving the service, lie "was not leaving them. If ever he met any of them later on who had got "a pluck to windward," and he had a dollar in his pocket, that one should get half. (Loud applause.) To-night he was one of the proudest men in Australasia. (Hear, hear.) At the present time it was the British Navy that was saving the Empire. Our soldiers had fought well. But where would they have been except for the navy and the mercantile marine? The mercantile marine had to transport the forces under the protection of the navy. Boys nowadays had distinct advantages. Facilities were now offered to persevering lads to rise. In his early days, there was no such thing as rising from the lower deck to the higher officer grade. Now, every lad could carry an admiral's commission in his bag. (Applause.) It was possible that among them 'there were embryo members of Parliament. (Laughter.) Well, he trusted that if any of them did become a politician, he would do his utmost to see that the men of the Australian Navy, when they retired from the service, would do so on a pension? (Hear, hear.) That they would see their old sailors provided for. He wished them all, in conclusion, the best of good luck. (Cheers and applause.)
Williamstown Chronicle, 22 November 1919
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