The Association has learned of the sudden death of Cdr Trevor Richard Dale RN on 1 April 2021.
From Records
Trevor was an Observer who flew the Westland Whirlwind and Wessex and served on board HMS Eagle.
Ron Gent writes:
There will be many no doubt who will mourn the loss of a dear friend, Commander Trevor Dale who passed over the bar on Thursday 1st April 2021. A great shock to me (especially on my birthday!) but more so to his wife Diana. He was a true friend and in all respects an Officer and a Gentleman.
Trevor was a member of a rather small Band of Brothers (3 in all!) dating back to the onset of their Naval careers in the early 60s and through to their retirement years. Lt Cdr Arthur Stevens who passed on a few years ago was the first ‘to go’. Now very suddenly Cdr Trevor Dale was taken from us, which now leaves myself as the last surviving member of that Brotherhood. Makes me a little nervous!
Not only will Trevor be remembered for his continuing friendship but also for his loyalty to this friends and to the Navy.
At some time after his first commission on 846 Sqdn (or was it 816?) in A/S helicopters he became Flight Commander on the Antarctic Station Vessel (can’t remember the name) and his professional attitude to this rather ‘cold’ job was noted by the posting gurus, hence his eventual and quick promotion to Commander.
Trevor said he was not afraid to admit to his failings but in my opinion they must have been very few and far between. He was posted to MOD where he had 3 jobs; manpower training, fleet logistics and arms control (and in the latter he witnessed the Nuclear Weapons Drawdown and the start of disarmament that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall). In his own words “a very interesting time”.
After leaving the Navy in 1993 Trevor became involved in many (arduous) jobs including Naval Liaison Officer London and took on charity work with the Royal British Legion. It was very hard but rewarding work as, in his own words, ‘I had to lick my own stamps and drive myself around the area’!
Trevor saw out his last commitment as the Metropolitan County Field Officer for 13 years before retiring from active duties. As he describes it ‘It was demanding fun!’
He finally came home to roost in his lovely home (the “Chestnuts”) in Cambridge which he had purchased from Arthur Stevens who at that time had gone to live in the Isle of Man.
His lovely wife Diana was very much relieved to have Trevor at home at long last and it is such a great shame that Trevor had to leave again so soon for duties ‘up there!’
Trevor would have passed on his blessings to all friends and relatives and especially his Naval buddies. It goes without saying just how much I miss Trevor! Rest in Peace dear friend and be assured I am not too far behind you and the Band of Brothers will be united once more. I apologise if there are errors in what I have said; it’s an age thing and believe me I am aged!
We are now resigned to memories which cannot be forgotten.
Ron (Gent)