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Freotopia > people > Jackie Sue
Jack Sue
Jack 'Jackie' Wong Sue OAM (1925–2009) was a decorated WW2 veteran who served with the RAAF Air Crash Rescue Boats operating out of Fremantle before being transferred to the 'Z' special unit of the Services Reconnaissance Department (known as Z Force). They operated along the Western Australian coast and worked west of Rottnest Island picking up torpedos fired by US Navy Submarines. Sue was transferred to the Z Force unit, which was a predecessor to the SAS. For his courageous service he was awarded the United States Submarine Combat Insignia and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Sue lived in Kalamunda when he returned. He started the Jack Sue W.A. Skindivers in 1951. In 2006 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal. Sue Lane, Fremantle, is named after him. Dave Gillard played bass in his band more than once.
From the right: Jack on piano, Ev Smith, saxophone, Bob Seery on drums, [unknown], Dave Gillard on bass at left.
The band name on the music desks is Jackie Sue's Rhythm Boys. RS on the bass drum would stand for Robert Seery.
From the crossed oars and the date on the pennant (which I think says CHAMPIONS 1939), I'm guessing they were playing for a dance to celebrate the end of the rowing season in 1939. FRC might stand for Fremantle Rowing Club, and they might be playing in the Fremantle Town Hall, or maybe the Victoria Hall.
Jack Sue lived in Kalamunda in a two-storey house with views of the city and a huge aquarium. He had a shop in Hay Street Perth before moving to Midland.
References and links
Gillard family photo collection.
Many thanks to Des Seery for band names and other details above.
Many thanks to Gary Burke for the CD and its sleeve.
This page incorporates material from Garry Gillard's Freotopia website, that he started in 2014 and the contents of which he donated to Wikimedia Australia in 2024. The content was originally created on 18 July, 2019 and hosted at freotopia.org/people/suejack.html (it was last updated on 16 March, 2024), and has been edited since it was imported here (see page history). The donated data is also preserved in the Internet Archive's collection.