By Ron Lane
It was in August 2016, that just prior to the end of his military career as the Training Standards Officer in an Australian Commando Unit, that Peter McCaffery and wife Debra moved to Tewantin. On arrival like many retiring servicemen Peter joined the local RSL Club. “I did so because I felt that when I settled, I would like to be in a position whereby I could give something back to the army; an organisation for which I had deep feelings. But most important of all, it gives me the opportunity to help do what I can, to ensure our veterans are looked after.”
At the time of his retirement (on medical grounds) Peter was posted to the Special Forces Training Centre Holsworthy. He knew the importance of SFTC’s place within Special Operations because of their responsibility for training and selection of all new recruits.
On looking back over the years, he feels that he has lived a very satisfying life.
Born in Newcastle NSW October 25 1956, he started his education at Newcastle Technical High School, and later moved with his family to Clayton Victoria, continuing and finishing his education in Year 11 (at 17 years of age) at the Clayton Technical College. His first job was as an apprentice mechanic and after finishing his time, he spent the next twelve months travelling around Australia with a mate. However, after a year of travelling he found it hard to settle, so in 1980 he decided on a career in the army.
After completing his basic training at Kapooka, he then undertook Corps training at the Infantry Centre Singleton NSW. This was followed by a posting to the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Townsville, where he was to spend the next three years, till leaving the army in 1983.
This was followed by a brief time in mining in West Australia but his time in the military had not completely left him, so as a result, on returning to Melbourne he joined the Army Reserve as a member of 2 Commando Company where he trained and qualified for his Green Beret. “The feeling on receiving your Green Beret is something that you will never ever forget,” said Peter. “It is definitely something very special.” After the war Government officials acted too hasty in disbanding the highly trained commando units. It was decided in 1957 to form 1 and 2 Commando Companies to retain the commando skills and tactics.
Peter spent the next twelve years in the reserves, during which, he was part of the Army’s support to the Olympic Games. After that he transferred back to the Regular Army and had various postings till 2003: it was then that he finally settled in 4 RAR (Commando) at Holsworthy. During this period his unit was deployed to East Timor, which at that time was experiencing civil unrest. “This was a very volatile time,” said Peter, “due mainly to the presence of a rogue army officer, with a very aggressive attitude by the name of Alfredo Reinado. However, things were held in check and as a result our unit left in late 2006.”
This was followed by a tour in Afghanistan in 2008. During this, he served as a Watch Keeper with the S.O.C.C.(Special Operations & Command Centre ) and worked in support of the British Royal Marines. Then it was back to Australia filling various positions within the 2nd Commando Regiment. The year 2014 saw him transferred to the Special Forces Training Centre where he was to remain until his medical discharge in 2016. “On leaving the military, I had little problems with civil life as I had quite a bit of experience before joining the ADF.”
Also, by this Peter was happily married to a lady named Debra: they met in Newcastle in 1989 and married in 1990. “We were introduced by my cousin Ann who was studying with Debra as a student at Tafe College. ”Now happily settled with a family group of four sons, daughter in law and a grandson he couldn’t ask for more“.
In early 2020, while attending a Tewantin Noosa RSL meeting, it was announced that the branch of the Noosa Australian Naval Cadets was in danger of closing down. This is the unit of high school Navy Cadets, that we, the proud citizens of the Noosa Shire, take pleasure (since 2003 ) in watching perform their ceremonial duties, during the Anzac Day Memorial Services.
This evolved because of the lack of staff ( only one instructor) with the background necessary to perform the duties required. Listening to the discussions, Peter became aware that here was a situation( because of his background) in which he could become involved: but not only himself but also his wife Debra. They immediately volunteered their services and now both are involved as probationary instructors, working at the base known as NTS (Noosa Training Ship) Sheean.
“Both of us,” said Peter, “strongly believe that this type of activity, for young people today, is important in promoting pride in their country, in belonging and team work. Their moto of Honour, Honesty, Courage, Integrity, Loyalty and Team Work, emphasize the character of the Training Ship and its place in Australian history.”
Located in Sir Thomas Hiley Park on McKinnon Drive Tewantin, the base is named in honour of 18-year-old Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean, killed in action against the Japanese during the sinking of the Australian Navy Bathurst Class Corvette, HMAS Armidale. Manning a gun position on the deck, Sheean was badly wounded when the ship was heavily straffed by fighter planes.
Ignoring his wounds, Sheean crossed the deck to aid shipmates trying to launch lifeboats with wounded mates on board. After this he returned to his gun position and successfully engaged the attacking fighters, shooting one out of the sky and heavily damaging two others. Having seen the Japanese fighters strafing his shipmates in the water, Sheean ignoring the Abandon Ship order and strapped into his position on this heavy- duty machine gun, this 18-year-old seaman continued to fight.
The men in the water who witnessed the whole action said as the Armidale commenced to sink, Sheean stayed at his post and continued to fight, eventually going down with the ship. In the words of one survivor, “if it wasn’t for the courage of Teddy Sheean none of us would have survived: the japs left us to try and knock out his gun.”
In what was(till last Monday, August 10 at approxomately 2pm). classed by many military historians and high-ranking politicians as an insult, Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheeans recommendation for a posthumous Victoria Cross (our nations highest award for gallantry) had been refused. But now, after some 78 years of research and reconsideration, it has finally been approved. Originally in its place, a posthumous Mention In Despatch was awarded. This award is generally considered to be at the lowest in our list of decorations. As one can see, there is definitely a very proud tradition attached to the naming of our Tewantin Naval Cadet Training Ship. Now Naval authorities’ can proudly add the letters V.C. behind the name of this 18-year-old Australian sailor, whose name out Tewantin Training Ship proudly bears.
‘’ For our cadets they parade every Tuesday, 5.30pm–8.30pm. For me it is definitely going to be very interesting,” said Peter with a smile, “changing from army terminologies to naval, but I feel sure it is going to work. The Navy Cadets have a lot to offer. First of all, uniforms are supplied free, then there are many courses available: communication, seamanship, ceremonial and weapon safety and logistics ; opportunity to sail corsairs, drive power boats as well as attend camps; any- where from Gladstone to Tweed Heads. It also gives the cadets the opportunity to make new friends and develop their capability as potential leaders.”
For Peter, when he said joining the RSL gave him the opportunity to put something back into the organisation, this would have to be a classical example. The lessons that this ex Commando has learned from the training camps in Australia, to the jungles of Timor and the desert sands of Afghanistan, are invaluable: there- fore the opportunity for Peter McCaffery (totally supported by wife Debra)to pass this knowledge on to the youth of our community, should be proudly and gratefully acknowledged. Proud to say they are now OUR PEOPLE.
