Rear Admiral Kaye Vonthethoff AO Royal Australian Navy

Kaye Vonthethoff was born in Adelaide, SA on 4 August 1930. He entered the RAN College in January 1948 as a supply branch cadet midshipman. After initial training he was sent to the UK for further training with the Royal Navy in late 1948. After RAN service as a junior supply officer, in April 1959 he undertook the advanced supply and secretariat course in Britain followed by RN exchange on the staff of the C-in-C Portsmouth. Later postings included being secretary to the DCNS (twice) and Supply Officer of HMAS Vampire. He was secretary to the CNS, Vice Admiral Sir Richard Peek in 1971-73. In 1974 he was Director Fleet Supply Duties before serving as the Chief of Staff (Administration) to the Fleet Commander in 1975-76. In 1976-77 he was the Director General Logistics – Navy and was promoted commodore on 31 August 1977. During 1978 he undertook study at the National Defence College – India. Upon returning to Australia he served as Director General Service Personnel Policy from 1979-81. Kaye Vonthethoff was promoted rear admiral on 15 March 1982 and served as the Flag Officer Naval Support Command. His last posting was as the Head of Australian Defence Staff in London during 1984-86. He retired from the RAN in late 1986 and settled on the south coast of NSW. He passed away in Sydney on 7 April 2020.