Ian Knox, a boarder from Wilcannia, joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1947 and retired a Vice Admiral and Vice Chief of Defence Force (a position he held from 1987 to 1989). During his time at the school he was cox of the rowing ‘clinker fours’ and captain of the under 14 tennis team.
During his career Knox served in HMAS Tobruk in 1956 in the Far East Strategic Reserve when the ship took part in the Malayian Campaign. He served off Vietnam as second in command of HMAS Perth, and was the first captain of HMAS Torrens. He was also captain of the guided missile destroyer HMAS Hobart and the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne. Later appointments included Flag Officer commanding Australian Fleet and Maritime Commander Australia, Deputy Chief of the Navy, Assistant Chief of Defence Force (Policy), and Commander Joint Forces Australia.
One of his favourite memories is driving past the School at 180 km/h during the 1986 Australian Grand Prix Celebrity Race.