The following messages of condolence and symbols
have been added in memory of Thomas.

I knew Tom very well, having also served with Tom when he was the PO (later Chief) on Resolution Starboard crew (not Port) on the 1st and 2nd commissions and during the first refit in Rosyth in 19670/71 + the Stbd crew DASO in 1971.
Myself and Bill Rostron (Bill was the MCC FCCEA, Resolution (combined crew) 1st refit and Stbd 2nd Commish) caught up with Tom in Fremantle some years ago, during a SSA SUBCON weekend.
I have (I hope I still have) a photograph of Tom with Bill and myself from that time - I will try and locate it and post.
It was Tom who organised the HMS/M Resolution SSBNUK01 caps; I have one, Bill Rostron has one and a third is on display in the Submarine Museum located in Holbrook NSW. I presented a fourth cap to Cmdr. Bob Seward (the then Branch President) when I visited HMS Neptune / CSB Faslane in 2015, when I attended a WOS Branch Submarine Assn meeting in the W.O.s and Snr Rates Mess.


VALE Tom Oaks may your final Eternal Patrol be a peaceful one and free from WSRT's, and the trauma of 'Mid Patrol' Dinner planning.

Mike (Wiggy) Bennett😪
Chairman RNA Port Phillip Bay Branch
Victoria Australia

O Father hear our prayer to thee
For your humble servants
Beneath the sea.

In the depths of oceans as oft they stray
So far from night, so far from day
We would ask your guiding light to glow
To make their journey safe below.

Please oft times grant them patient mind
Then ‘ere the darkness, won’t them blind
They seek thy protection from the deep
Please grant them peace when 'ere they sleep.

Of their homes and loved ones far away
We ask you care for them each day
Until they surface once again
To drink the air and feel the rain.

We ask your guiding hand to show
A safe progression, sure and slow
Dear Lord please hear our prayer to thee
For your humble servants beneath the sea.

Amen.

I spent many happy hours, days and weekends sitting on your front doorstep on Empress Drive. Allison and I drew pictures and invented the best, secret club ever - The Supercats! We watched Simon on Thursday nights and danced to Top of the Pops. Thanks Tom and Phyl for creating the best friend I would ever have. Rest easy Tom and I hope to sit on your doorstep in another life.

Much love to your lovely family, especially the World's best friend. xxx

Fly high uncle Tom,

Rest in peace tom 🙏 thinking of you all xxx

Rest peacefully Grandad, give Dad a hug from me. Until we meet again xxx

Farewell and rest peacefully Tom. As father-in-Laws go, you are my number One. Love to Phil, Allison and Simon 💜