As President of Submarines Association Australia Queensland Inc & on behalf of the submariners of
the SAA QLD it is an honour to be able to say a few words about our ship mate, CPO MTP3 sm
Kenneth Warden.
It is with regret that the Association announced the death of Ken in Queensland on 23 October 2010.
Ken joined the RAN on 9th July 1951 and was one of the first stokers to volunteer for submarines, he
was one of the first intakes to travel to the UK to undertake submarine training at HMS Dolphin in
1963.
On completion of his initial training courses at Dolphin, in 1964 Ken was drafted to HMS/m Alderley
to undertake his Part Three training. In 1965 he joined HMS/m Token and in 1966 he spent time in
HMS/m Talent. How ironic that Ken was given the token gesture and the then to recognise his talent
for these postings.
In 1967, Ken was drafted to his first Oberon class submarine, HMS Opportune. On completion of his
time in Opportune, Ken returned to Australia in 1968 to the newly established submarine squadron
HMAS Platypus.
The gods were smiling on Ken when he found himself drafted to his first Australian Submarine,
HMAS Oxley. How ironic for Ken being one of the first stokers to volunteer for submarines and now
found himself on the first Australian submarine in the new Squadron.
Oxley was the last submarine that Ken served in. He retired from the RAN as a CPOMTP3SM after 20
years service on 8th July 1971.
Ken was a valuable and loyal member of the Submarine Association since 1985 (25 years).
Though I did not serve with Ken, I joined the year after he retired and HMAS Oxley was my first
Submarine too.
I only really got to know Ken just prior to our Submarine Conference in 2006 when I was on the
organising committee. Ken came up to me and said he was unable to physically contribute to the
running of the conference and should I need his help he would give good advice.
I have fond memories of Ken, as at a recent meeting Ken proudly brought himself to attention with
walking stick in hand and quite politely informed the guest speaker a Retired Admiral that and I
quote “Sir your have been talking long enough about the DFR&DB scheme, I was in DFRB scheme
which was around long before and I ask what is being done for those recipients’?
Ken still stood to attention as the troops rallied behind him and the Admiral said, can you put that in
writing so I can look into it as I regard that to be a good question.
That’s the sort of member every President loves to have around. His attention to detail was
impeccable he was never afraid to state the fact and quick to second a good proposal.
Ken, your submarine has now dived; its hatches are shut and clipped, keep an even keel and a good
trim, Chief. May the seas be kind wherever you sail?
Dolphin Code 78 (wish you were here)