Albert John Whipp

To my awesome dad I will always remember how proud and amazed on what you accomplished in your life
You touched every one’s heart with your presence
You touch my life and made me into the person I am today
Words can’t express how much you have meant to me as you have always been my knight in shining amour you kept me safe and loved me a lifetime xxxx💙💙💙🙏🙏🙏🙏

We met when you were 14 and I was 18,we became good friends then lifetime mates. I will miss you for the rest of my life, rest in peace Whippy/ San.

John and grew up together in Goulburn.
At one point we both were apprenticed to his father and attended a painting and sign writers tech course in Canberra.
John was a very talented signwriter.
As time went on we both joined the Army without either of us being aware of our career choice until our paths crossed some 10 years later when we met in a Sergeant’s Mess in Victoria.
We have kept in touch ever since, so I suppose we have been friends for some 70 years.
John was a real warrior and I will sadly miss him.

There are some people who come into your life and leave a mark that never really fades. Major Albert “John” Whipp was one of those people for me.
When I left the Army, like many veterans, I was trying to find my place again. I was searching for purpose, direction, and examples of what a life of service could look like beyond the uniform. John was one of those examples. He showed me that service does not end when military service does—it simply takes a different form.
John was a genuine gentleman. He carried himself with humility, integrity, and a quiet strength that earned the respect of everyone around him. He never needed to tell people what he had achieved; his character spoke for itself. Whenever I spent time with him, I came away wiser and better for it.
The Veterans Grappling Foundation would not be what it is today without people like John. From the very beginning, he believed in what we were trying to achieve. His encouragement and support meant more than he probably ever realised. Knowing that someone of his calibre believed in our mission gave me confidence to keep pushing forward, even when things were difficult.
What I admired most about John was his genuine care for people. He understood veterans. He understood service. He understood sacrifice. Most importantly, he understood the importance of looking after one another. He never forgot where he came from and never stopped giving back.
As I reflect on his passing, I find myself thinking less about his rank and achievements, and more about the man himself. The conversations, the advice, the encouragement, and the example he set. Those things endure long after we are gone.
One of the things that gives me great comfort is knowing that John’s legacy will continue for generations to come through the Major John Whipp Trophy. Contested for the first time at the 2026 Australian National Judo Championships, the trophy represents far more than a competition award. It stands as a symbol of service, camaraderie, and the enduring bond shared by current and former members of the Australian Defence Force. In the years ahead, as more veterans step onto the mat and compete for this honour, John’s name and example will continue to inspire, connect and unite our military judo community.
John leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by medals, appointments, or titles. It lives on in the countless people he inspired, mentored, supported, and encouraged throughout his life. I know I am only one of many who are better because we had the privilege of knowing him.
Thank you, John, for your service to our nation, your support of veterans, your friendship, and your example. Thank you for showing us what leadership, humility, and service truly look like.
You have stood your final watch, Sir.
Yet your legacy lives on—in the veterans you inspired, the lives you touched, and now in the Major John Whipp Trophy that will continue to bring together current and former serving ADF members for many years to come.
Rest easy, John. We have the watch from here.
Lest We Forget.
Scott Steer
Former soldier, 6RAR
Afghanistan & Iraq Veteran
Founder & CEO, Veterans Grappling Foundation

Thank you Johhny, my mentor in South Australia in judo in the 70’s.
His legacy at the AUJudo will live on!

John, may you rest in peace. We worked together at the Army Apprentice School in the late 1960’s-early 70’s. You were always an inspiration and wonderful mentor for the apprentices. Your exemplary Military career speaks for itself. You were twice recognised for your outstanding service.
I didn’t know you had passed until I read the AATTV Honour Roll on Rick’s Page. So sad but I’m sure you will open a Judo School ‘up there’ with your many friends.