I was also well acquainted with the Coast watcher although I didn't understand, as an 18 year old, why there was all the Marine insignia in his house. I still see his daughter every year or so. Did you ever run across CApt. Ray Wensor? He was Ansett but one of the few endorsed as an astro navigator - before GPS replaced the bubble sextant on the 727.
I was mystified by your reference to a coast watcher or his marine insignia as there was nothing in the article about coast watchers.