Rear Admiral Swan passed away on 24th December 2025.  He was the last of the RAN’s Cadet Midshipmen who had seen active service during the Second World War and who later rose to flag rank.

CMDR R.C. Swan RAN

Rear Admiral Rothesay ‘Ross’ Cathcart Swan was born at Orange, NSW on 1 June 1926 and entered the RAN College as a cadet midshipman in January 1940. Following a distinguished Naval career spanning more than forty years, including service in the Pacific and later in the Vietnam War, Rear Admiral Swan retired from the RAN in 1983 and the following year became the Director Tall Ships – Australia (Bicentennial Authority). He was deeply involved in the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme since its inception where young Australians make ocean voyages under sail.