Ray Willmot as a radar plotter HMAS Sydney, Korea 1951-1952, interviewed by Lieutenant Commander Tony Hughes RANR

Ray Willmot talks about: joining the Royal Australian Navy (RAN ) in 1948 and his early training; his service prior to joining the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, including HMAS Shoalhaven and HMAS Culgoa; his duties as a radar plotter aboard the Sydney; giving bearings to aircraft; the radars aboard the Sydney; working up the Sydney for operations; the extra work in preparing the ship for an Admiral's inspection; Commander V.A. Smith, the executive officer; manning the ship in a state of readiness; the start of the Korean War; landing and take-off operations; a later incident aboard the HMAS Melbourne; family concerns about his serving in the RAN; a discussion on the Morse code; refuelling and replenishment at sea; operating in the ship at night; smoking on board; being a member of the radar party being preferable to many other assignments; cold weather clothing; sleeping arrangements; messing, ablutions and laundering; riding out Typhoon Ruth at sea; a memorable day's operations including spotting for the USN New Jersey's 16-inch guns; other memorable incidents, including the rescue of MacMillan and Hancox by an American helicopter crew, operating from the Sydney; ; the effects of fatalities on the ship's crew; the damage to returning aircraft; good morale aboard the Sydney; Christmas Eve 1951 ashore and Christmas Day aboard the Sydney; crew members that impressed him; recreation and crossing the equator ceremonies.