By Cassie Maher
COLIN Carson for 58 years has watched from his Newport home as large ships pass through the waters of Port Phillip Bay.
And the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is an organisation close to Mr Carson’s heart, though he’s never served as an officer.
So, not surprisingly, the story of a brave leading seaman named Ronald “Buck” Taylor, has added fuel to his passion for ships and naval battles.
Mr Carson was at a Footscray Lions Club meeting seven years ago when he heard the amazing story of the HMAS Yarra II, which sank off the coast of Indonesia in 1942, during a WWII battle.
He was struck by the heroism shown by 21-year-old Buck Taylor, who ignored orders to abandon ship and continued to fire shots at the attacking Japanese destroyer until he went down with the wreckage.
But there was no official recognition for HMASYarra II, nor for the dedication shown by Mr Taylor and his fellow crewmen.
“All the records of what happened went down with the ship,” Mr Carson said.
“Those men were so brave and they never got any recognition for what they went through.”
Mr Carson has written letter after letter for seven years to the RAN, asking for the ship to be given battle honours.
He has also campaigned for a warship to be named HMAS Taylor, in Ronald Taylor’s honour.
“About 10 days ago, I received a promising letter from the RAN stating their serious consideration for battle honours for the HMAS Yarra II,” he said.
“I’m hoping they will be granted on the next anniversary of the ship’s demise, on the fourth of March.”
Naval historical officer Brett Mitchell said battle honours – wooden plaques representing battle locations – were given only to ships that had fought significant battles.
“Battle honours are under continual review, not only for past but present conflicts,” he said.
Mr Mitchell said he could not say exactly when Mr Carson’s requests would be answered.
Mr Carson, whose son Colin is a member of the RAN, has been in close contact with Mr Taylor’s family since beginning his quest, and their appreciation for his efforts is obvious.
“I think it’s a wonderful, marvellous thing he’s trying to do,” said Mr Taylor’s niece, Della Pezzi.
“The older-generation of Taylors are almost all gone.
“Out of the 10 kids, there’s only two of Ronald’s sisters left, and they are very elderly.”
Ms Pezzi said her father and his two brothers had tried for years to get recognition for Mr Taylor.
Mr Carson, a florist, said it had become his ambition “to get these guys what they deserve, and it’s getting closer and closer”.
“The Navy is doing a great job, although I’ve annoyed the hell out of them.
“But you have to stay on them and never give up.”
