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Ian Wallace Craig

1943-2010

His brother Frank Craig (K 45-53) writes)

My brother Ian was born in Framlingham in 1943, son of Phyllis (nee Garrett and great granddaughter of Richard Garrett) and Daniel Craig who was the College doctor from about 1934 to 1967. Dr Craig served in the RNVR throughout the war so Ian did not see him until his return to civil practice in January 1945. Once he was home and we could once more visit the coast, normal life resumed and we all spent much time at Orford, camping, sailing and “messing about in boats. Ian quickly became a “water baby” and learnt to swim and sail at an early age. Sailing became his major interest which never left him.

Educated at Brandeston Hall and Framlingham where one of his major achievements was as a founder member of the College Sailing Club and he spent many happy hours with them at Orford. He then followed me into the Royal Navy joining the Royal Naval College Dartmouth in 1961.

Once through Dartmouth, he specialised as a Marine Engineer at the Royal Naval Engineering College Manadon in Plymouth. At both establishments, his sailing experience in both dinghies and yachts stood him in good stead and he rapidly gained the necessary qualifications to skipper the college boats of all types. He joined the Royal Naval Sailing Association while at Dartmouth and later in his career served them as Rear Commodore Dinghies.

Married to Jackie in 1967, Ian had an exemplary career in the navy serving in HM Ships Llandaff, Albion, Tiger and Ardent and as the squadron Marine Engineer Officer for the 4th Frigate Squadron in the Falklands during the Falklands War. He rose steadily through the ranks, and served as Training Commander in HMS Sultan, the Marine Engineering School, as Executive Officer at BRNC Dartmouth, the first Engineer Officer ever to hold this appointment, as Assistant Director Manpower and Planning and as Fleet Marine Engineer Officer. His final appointment was as Commodore Admiralty Interview Board and Director of Naval Recruiting.

Retiring in the rank of Captain, Commodore was only held during the appointment in those days, Ian settled down to civilian life, getting a job and achieving a lifelong ambition of buying a cruising boat. Then disaster struck. Within a year of leaving the Navy Ian had a severe stroke which left him very disabled. Ian, while very sad and unhappy about his fate soldiered bravely on and made the best of his misfortune. Fortunately he still had his speech and a degree of mobility. He was very ably supported by his wife and by his family and his many friends who rallied round. He and Jackie had many happy holidays travelling to far off places.

Ian died suddenly on 10th July after a long and brave struggle with his disability. He leaves his wife, Jackie, his son and daughter and three lovely grandchildren. The funeral held in the Minster Church of St Andrew in Plymouth was very well attended by family and by his many friends.

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