AS he approaches his 100th birthday, Royal Australian Navy veteran Frederick Ronald Stannus – known to his family and friends as Ron – has returned to where it all began. His visit on 8 April to HMAS Cerberus comes as the Navy marks 125 years since its establishment in 1901.
Stannus’s naval journey began at Cerberus more than 80 years ago. Walking the grounds where he first became a sailor, he was welcomed by Commanding Officer HMAS Cerberus Captain Ben Esler as an honoured guest before receiving a VIP tour of the Heritage and Learning Centre from the centre’s director, Commander Helen Ward.
Having qualified as a Quartermaster during his service, Stannus was aboard the Tribal-class destroyer HMAS Warramunga in Tokyo Bay when Imperial Japan surrendered in 1945, marking the end of the Second World War.
Like many veterans of his generation, he rarely discussed his experiences. “I’ve only recently started talking about it. When I got back, I just got on with life,” he said.
On this visit, he shared his story with the Navy’s newest members, offering them history and perspective. “It’s wonderful to meet you at the start of your career, I hope it’s a happy one,” he told the young sailors.
Captain Esler said the encounter was significant for the recruits. “A lot of what Ron’s been saying rings true for them,” Esler said. “What they’re experiencing now is the same as what he experienced all that time ago, and I think it’s really valuable for them.”
Stannus noted that while much has changed since his recruitment, the Navy’s core values remain the same. “It’s great to see we have a well-functioning Navy today,” he said.
Stannus’s return to Cerberus provided an opportunity for younger sailors to meet someone who witnessed one of the most significant moments in Australian naval history.
First published in the Mornington News – 21 April 2026
