Royal Navy veteran Bob Lyle, of Forbes was recently honoured for his 50-year membership of the Returned and Services League.
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Forbes RSL Sub branch made a special presentation of the service award to Mr Lyle at a recent sub branch meeting.
A native of the United Kingdom where he joined the Royal Navy and served in Korea during 1950 and 1951 Mr Lyle moved to Australia after meeting an marrying a fifth generation Australian girl in England.
During the Korean War the British naval contribution consistently comprised aircraft carriers with operational aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm, cruisers, destroyers, frigates sand a supporting fleet train.
These forces were mainly responsible for the control of sea communications on the West Coat of Korea and seaborne air and gun support on the left flank of the ground forces.
Ships of the Royal navy from time to time also operated off the East coast of Korea.
After meeting and marrying his wife Val, Mr Lyle said he didn’t take much convincing to leave the United KIngdom and did so for the warmer climate of Sydney in 1957.
In 1966 he joined the RSL in North Sydney and has been an active financial member ever since.
He and his wife made the move to Forbes in 1986 and he has been a member of the Forbes sub branch for the past 31 years.
”We were on holidays and passed through Forbes,” Mr Lyle said.
“We rather liked the place and decided to buy a home and retire here in 1986,” Mr Lyle said of his decision to move from Sydney to Forbes.
Mr Lyle’s brother also made the move to Forbes.
A former member of the executive of the Forbes sub branch Mr Lyle praised the RSL for the service it does and said he has enjoyed being a member of the RSL.
A Long Service Award (50 Years Membership Certificate) is awarded to any Service or Life Member who has given not less than 50 years continuous service as a member of the League.
A recommendation for the awarding of a Long Service Award can only be approved on the recommendation of the State Executive to the National Executive.
Forbes RSL sub branch president Michael Walker described Mr Lyle as a “fine man”.
“It’s a wonderful achievement to be a member for 50 years,” Mr Walker said.
“He’s been the vice president and also been a patron of the RSL, an active participant for 50 years.
“He’s a very fine man, just a good person.”
Longevity is something Mr Lyle is well known for as he was still running marathons at the age of 80 after taking up running late in life.
