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SIMON TUDOR-JONES

22-04-2008

SIMON TUDOR-JONES

1948-2008

Radio Officer RFA

Simon trained at Riversdale in 1966 where he was probably the only right wing President of the National Union of Students in the 1960’s! He initially signed with Marconi Marine, joining the Empress of Canada as 7^th Radio Officer. Following Marconi he served briefly with Nigerian National MN, SAF Marine and a Cable Layer off the US coast where he earned the princely sum of £35 per week.

By 1970 he had learned the error of his ways and joined the RFA and his first ship RFA RELIANT. Christmas 1970 saw him on RFA TARBATNESS where, during a game of mess rugby he was mistaken for the ball and in a subsequent touch down his arm was broken!

Short of stature but large of life, heart and generosity, Simon would be found in the forefront of any ship or RFA activity. Leading on any ship Mess Committee he would ensure that every social event was well planned and executed.

In 1973 he attended the RFA Long Course at HMS Collingwood where, amongst other things he was cox’n of the RFA boat for the whaler race. Following much training and encouragement by the RN Buffer the team took to the water and was well placed to win but Simon, always the gentleman, hadn’t the heart to overtake the Wrens boat which had started half way down the course. After the race, in the finest traditions, the cox was thrown in to the sea, but swiftly rescued so he could take full part in the “post race activities”!

During the Falklands Conflict of ’82, Simon saw active service with the Ship Taken Up From Trade (STUFT) cell.

Simon was appointed as the first Deputy RFA Defensive Weapons Officer (RFADWO2) to Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) from 1983 to 1985. A job he thoroughly enjoyed as he expressed so much enthusiasm for the post. He really had such a great passion for Gunnery and certainly gave it some theatre, training fledgling crews in the art of safe and accurate gunnery. With gaiters, whistle and stick he made a lasting impression on anyone passing through Portland! There were many in the RFA who were thankful for Simon’s extensive knowledge, expert advice, patience, wit and humour. He was ever cheerful and would never allow the challenges of the job to get him down. He always had a friendly word for everyone he met and despite his height; his fantastic personality filled any room he walked into. He was an excellent listener and would always make time for others. It was Simon himself who rearranged his staff title to become the RFA renowned DWARFO, a title that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Portland Navy Days on RFA BLUE ROVER in ’89 he was to be found on the bridge in his trademark brown lab coat (with gaiters) giving a basic electronic display.

Simon served on many classes of ship and for months following his pay off, tales of his exploits would be joined with a raised glass and a distant look in the teller’s eye!

In 1998 Simon served on RFA BAYLEAF and, typical of the man, he quietly retired from the RFA, leaving many saying “where’s Simon?”

From 1965 to 2000 Simon was a member of the Sea Cadet Corps; Serving with TS BLACKCAP as instructor, TS QUEENSBOROUGH as Radio Officer and 1^st Lieutenant. He was an Honorary Lay Helper for the Mission to Seafarers and an active member of his local church.

Simon’s funeral took place at the Holy Trinity Church, Freckleton, on Monday 21 April, where the congregation spilled over to the church yard, it was officiated over by 3 members of the clergy, all personal friends of Simon and well attended by RFA friends, both serving and retired. Simon’s wife, Judith was supported by their three grown up children and many close friends.

A very sociable character, Simon will be sadly missed.