The History of the Royal Naval Association by Shipmate Commander Paddy McClurg RN

THE ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION ‐ SOME SHORT HISTORY NOTES – HISTORY
IS NOT WHAT YOU THOUGHT – IT IS WHAT YOU CAN REMEMBER
FORMATION OF THE ASSOCIATION (RNOCA 1935) RNA 1950 CROSS‐OVER RNA STANDARDS AND
RNOCA STANDARDS
The Royal Naval Association Old Comrades Association (RNOCA) was formed in 1935 and struggled
(perhaps because of the Second World War) to make the impact that many would have hoped. It
appears to have been almost entirely rating/other rank orientated and a great number of the RNOCA
Branches were merely social clubs with no established membership criteria or proper management
infrastructure. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the organisation was perhaps less “comradely”
than it was originally designed to be, and it would seem that many members considered that a
similar but differently structured organisation was required to reflect/provide a more egalitarian
(and friendly) forum. An annual RNOCA Conference in 1948 discussed widening the remit of the
RNOCA and setting membership criteria and establishing personal goals including what came to be
known as the Unity, Loyalty, Comradeship and Patriotism concepts which came to underpin the
RNA. By and large, the RNOCA Clubs which were the bedrock of that Association, failed as the years
passed, although at the time of writing one still exists in Portsmouth (Lake Road) albeit reportedly in
some difficulty as regards its future.
RNA Branches which were formed following the breakaway from RNOCA Branches, were permitted
to retain and parade their RNOCA Standards (Maroon) until such time as they required replacement
when they had to be changed to RNA Standards (Blue). To the knowledge of the author, the only
RNA Branch to be currently parading their old RNOCA Standard is the Woking Branch.
Despite the hopes expressed at its foundation, it soon became apparent that a degree of dissention
existed (and would continue to exist) within the membership of the new Association, in regard to
constitutional and regulatory matters not wholly unrelated to cultural and geographical traditions
and locations. Indeed the inaugural meeting became a somewhat two‐sided
discussion/disagreement between the newly installed President (Admiral of the Fleet Sir John
Cunningham) and a Home Counties Delegate (a Commander Pursey), regarding the constitutional
and organisational posture of the Association and the authority and modus operandi afforded to the
(selected but unelected) President of the Association.
DEPARTURE FROM ACCEPTED METHODOLOGY AND LASTING CONSEQUENCES OF VARIATIONS IN
PRESIDENTIAL MODALITY
Presidency of the Association was offered to Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Cunningham at its
formation. Sir John was happy to accept, but made a number of stipulations regarding RNA
management methodology – in particular, he required to have a management authority as President
so that he might best assist the Association by using his extensive contact base and to act as de facto
National Council Meeting Director in the place of the National Chairman who did not possess the
ability to influence matters outside of the meetings. This methodology was accepted, albeit not
without question or debate, and has continued until the present day although from time to time
various National Council Members made their unhappiness clear over the status quo. This
disagreement was last evinced at the RNA Conference in Torquay in 2007 when an NCM persuaded

his spouse to hand out leaflets to attending delegates inviting them to voice their concern over the
situation. The NCM also contacted the Charities Commission (Ms Victoria Lord) who then asked the
General Secretary for an explanation of this departure from normal Charities policy. The General
Secretary explained the situation to the Commission emphasising the need for a former Senior
Officer (unused to being under direction) with an extensive range of useful exploitable contacts to
the benefit of the Association. The Charities Commission took the point and expressed itself content
with the status quo. The matter ended there and despite the threat of legal action by the
complaining NCM (who has long since crossed the bar) no further disquiet has been evinced.
However, the matter has been raised (in the margins) from time to time although the vast majority
of the Association membership appear to be content with the in‐place arrangements.
The National Chairman continues to fulfil his ceremonial and liaison role as well as chairing the
Finance and Administration Committee.
The list of Association Presidents is impressive viz:
1950 Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Cunningham
1961 Admiral Sir Alexander Madden KCB CBE
1962 Admiral Sir Frederick Parham GBE KCB DSO
1967 Admiral Sir David Luce GC DSO OBE
1971 Rear Admiral Thomas Briggs CB OBE DL
1976 Vice Admiral Sir Ernle Pope KCB
1987 Admiral Sir Desmond Cassidi GCB
1997 Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman KCB
2001 Vice Admiral John McAnally CB LVO
APPOINTMENT OF ADMIRALTY LIAISON OFFICER
In 1952, The Admiralty appointed a full time liaison officer for the Royal Naval Association (a
Commander Parker) and this appointment continued for many years (later on a part‐time basis)
until, because of tightened manning constraints, the appointment was permitted to lapse. This was
not the end of the story however and following the introduction of an agreement between the
Admiralty and the RNA in 2008 The Warrant Officer for the Naval Service and the Command Warrant
Officer (Reserves) were co‐opted as RNA Vice Presidents and as thus (in conjunction with the Second
Sea Lord) became conduits for information flow to and from the naval authorities.
STATUTES AND CONSTITUTION INCLUDING DELAYS DUE TO EARLY DEATH OF KING GEORGE VI –
SOVEREIGNAL PATRONAGE – INVOLVEMENT OF PRIVY COUNCIL –
It was the wish of Conference (and incidentally the wish of the King who had been a serving naval
officer) that the Monarch should be the Association’s Patron and, in 1951, a Draft Constitution was
prepared by the Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee and the RNA President, for submission
to His Majesty’s Privy Council for consideration and possible approval. This submission was voided

by the early and tragic death of King George VI in February 1952 when as a result the Privy Council
was dissolved. The Privy Council was reformed under the authority of Queen Elizabeth II and the
Constitution was finally approved by the Council in 1953.
Her Majesty The Queen remains as Patron of the Association while (at the time of writing) The
Second Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Desmond Cassidi GCB and Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman KCB remain as
Vice Patrons.
RATIONALE The Royal Naval Association, on its formation, recognised that such an Association must
demonstrate core values or dependencies on the strength of which it should build and seek to
survive. Many dependencies were identified but four of these were seem to be pre‐eminent viz :
UNITY Shared backgrounds and Equality in rank. We share the same bonds, the same mindset, and
even the same language. We are all equal. We are the heart and soul of the RNA.
LOYALTY To each other and our dependants. We will always support and look out for each other.
Our loyalty is to all our shipmates, our local communities, the personnel and dependants of the
Naval Service, along with other charities or organisations with naval connections.
PATRIOTISM We are proud to serve and proud to represent our country and the Naval Service. Our
pride in serving our country never leaves us. Nor do we forget those who have fallen for our country
or who fight now. We are deeply honoured to represent them on both a national and international
level.
COMRADESHIP Friends in fun, fellowship and need. Your shipmates will always be here for you,
whether its about a job, ideas for a fun day out or just an arm round your shoulder. We will never
leave you or your dependants in despair.
MODES OF ADDRESS – OFFICERS AND MISTERS ‐ INTRODUCTION OF “SHIPMATE” (1973)
Prior to 1973, delegates to Conference were address either by their former naval rank (in the case of
officers) or by “Mister” in the case of former ratings or other ranks. The first mention of the term
“Shipmate” can be found in Conference Minutes from 1950 but this was only in terms of addressing
a delegate during the President’s speech. The decision to formally adopt the pro‐noun “Shipmate”
was taken at the 1973 Conference and has been used since, although following the expansion in
Associate Membership in recent years and the subsumption of the Women’s Royal Naval Service
into the Royal Navy, the term “Shipmaid” has also tended to be utilised, according to gender.
ACHIEVEMENT OF CHARITABLE STATUS (1974)
The aims and resolutions of The Royal Naval Association together with the organisation’s Royal
Charter and Constitution were provided to The Charity Commission in 1973 in the Association’s
quest for charitable status. After considerable evidence and supplementary supporting information,
Charitable Status was conferred in 1974 (Registered Charity No. 266982); this status conferred
certain advantages to the RNA but also brought additional responsibilities to National Council
Members who were now (by statute) the Registered Trustees of the Association and responsible in
law for its proper conduct and administration.

LOCATION OF THE RNA HEADQUARTERS AND INTER ALIA THE FORMATION OF A HEADQUARTERS
CLUB
Iniitally, the RNA Headquarters were situated in Streatham but later moved to more commodious
premises in Sloane Street where it remained for some years before moving to alternatives premises
An RNA London based Club with bar and some accommodation facilities was established in the
Sloane Street Headquarters at one stage during the 1960s and 1970s however this was not, in the
longer term, a success; later the Club reduced to a bar facility before being disestablished on cost
grounds. Eventually the additional space in the Sloane Street Headquarters was sub‐let as
residential accommodation and remained so until Headquarters was relocated (on a long lease) to
its final London Base at 82 Chelsea Manor Street, where it was to remain until 2008.
Initially seen as attractive, experience showed the Chelseas premises to be less than ideal. They
were somewhat remotely situated (a 25 minutes march from the nearest public transport) and dark,
poky, unfocussed and expensive to maintain – the offices were so hard to find that after 30 years
there were only 8 entries on page 1 of the Visitors Book. Among other things the premises
contained two cellars (in which, in the absence of other space, RNA Stores were kept and which
were prone to frequent flooding). Quite a lot of RNA stock was damaged (including 3,000 out of
date Rule Books which had initially been valued at £3,000 – when these were later disposed a
member of the National Council complained that this congealed mass of nonsense had been wrongly
ditched at a loss to the Association of £,3000 – in fact, the dustmen had to be bribed to take the
mass away). The unsuitability of the offices were early recognised and discussion took place (as long
ago as 1970) about the desirability of moving the Headquarters to a naval based location. An
infrastructure and manning study was conducted (pro bono) in 2005 where clearly recommended
relocation and steps were undertaken to liaise with naval authorities to achieve this objective. The
balance of the lease (34 years) was surrendered for the sum of £475,000 credit to the association.
Good (and much less expensive) premises were provided to the RNA within Semaphore Tower of
the Portsmouth Naval Base (on an almost peppercorn basis) with a very significant saving in
overheads to the association. The down side was that access to the new HQ was restricted on
security grounds and this has caused some problems – efforts continue to find (and perhaps
purchase) permanent premises adjacent to the naval base, with ease of access both for Association
Members and Serving Naval Personnel.
ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE
The management infrastructure of the Royal Naval Association is as follows :
The Patron : Her Majesty The Queen
Vice Patrons : appointed by the National Council
The National President – a former Senior RN figure appointed by the National Council
Life Vice Presidents : appointed by the National Council
Vice Presidents : appointed by the National Council

The National Chairman and Deputy National Chairman – elected by the membership of the National
Council from among its members – The National Chairman chairs the Finance and Administration
Committee while his Deputy chairs the Association Management Committee
The National Council – National Council Members are elected to serve to represent each RNA Area
and each is supported by an elected Deputy National Council Member
The National Chaplain – appointed by the National Council but additional to them
The National Treasurer – appointed by the National Council but additional to them
The National Welfare Adviser – appointed by the National Council but additional to them
The National Clubs Adviser – appointed by the National Council and may be a member of that body
The National Events Coordinator – appointed by the National Council and may be a member of that
body
The National Standard Bearer – appointed by the National Council on winning the annual
competition
The Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee – appointed by the National Council
and support by four elected Standing Orders Committee Members
The Honorary Legal Adviser to the National Council – appointed by the National Council
The RNA Accountant and Auditor – appointed by the National Council
The General Secretary and Headquarters Staff – appointed by the National Council
LOCAL ADMINISTRATION
It was decided (on inception) that the Association be managed by means of Areas (Geographically
based) with the remit of overseeing Branches within their geographical boundaries (although,
particularly in the early days, some Branches opted to belong to Areas other than those laid down,
because of travel difficulties or relationship breakdowns). Areas were numerically identified with
Numbers 1 to 12 (12 Area encompassing the whole of Ireland) while the Caledonian Area, not
wishing to be Area 13 retained the title of Scottish Area. These Areas were represented on the
National Council of the RNA by National Council Members. All Branches Overseas were conjoined
into an Overseas Area and a Member of the National Council was Appointed as Overseas National
Representative tasked with corresponding with Overseas Branches and representing their views at
National Council, in additional to his other duties.
NATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
Regrettably perhaps, the responsibilities of a National Council Member have never been fully put to
the test, and it remains a matter of some conjecture as to whether a National Council Member
serves as an Area Delegate or an Area Representative – indeed the same dilemma has been noted as
a number of National Conferences where Branch Delegates, despite them confessing to have been
converted to a particular course of action by the advocacy of debate, have found themselves to be

bound by the (supposed) delegation extended to them by their Branch – the whole concept of
intelligent debate and evidential consideration has been thus negated. Such confusion prohibits the
Association (in some cases) from moving forward in a rational manner and as Conference numbers
decline the position must surely in the near future, be confirmed.
WELFARE AND CHARITY WORK
On its formation, the Association appointed an Welfare and Charities Coordinator working within
the aegis of the National Council. However, as suggested by the Constitution and Rules, welfare
cover for RNA Branch Members is, in general terms, the responsibility of the Branch. Welfare cover
to ex‐RN Members (not members of the Association) was the responsibility of the Welfare and
Charities Co‐ordinator (working in tandem with the General Secretary) with applications for
assistance being nominated from SSAFA and RBL Welfare Investigators on Welfare Form A. Financial
Assistance was (in general) limited to £1,000 per occasion per case although from time to time
exceptions had to be made and the Welfare Coordinator and General Secretary worked to a weekly
deadline. Since the institution of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (in conjunction with The
Royal Naval Benevolent Trust) RNA involvement is now restricted to an annual financial donation to
the RN and RM Charity. The Welfare Coordinator continues however as a source of advice to
Branches, and as the organising member for periodic Welfare Seminars which seek to educate,
inform and support Branch Welfare Officers. The Welfare Coordinator is also responsible for the
production and maintenance of the RNA Welfare Guide.
CEREMONIAL
On its formation, the Association appointed a Ceremonial Officer to oversee and promote
Ceremonial Strategy for the Royal Naval Association. In general terms, the incumbent’s
responsibilities were to construct a Ceremonial Guide and Process which mirrored (as far as was
possible) the Ceremonial Processes in place for the Royal Navy. The Ceremonial Officer functions to
ensure (again as far as is possible) uniformity of procedure. Over the years, several Conference
Motions sought to modify procedures (in particular the wearing of Standard Slings) to align with
procedures carried out by the Royal British Legion and/or the Royal Air Forces Association, however
Conference decided (on a number of occasion) to stick with Royal Navy Ceremonial Instructions as
laid down in the RN Manual of Drill.
STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE
A Standing Orders Committee was formed in 1952 (at the behest of Conference) to oversee the
conduct of Conference proceedings and to act as impartial scrutineers for Motions and subsequent
Debates. The first Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee was Mr Legg and the appointment
(and his service) continued as a nomination from the National Council (with Members of the
Committee elected on a vote) for a number of years. Eventually, the appointment of Chairman of
the Standing Orders Committee was assumed by a former Secretary of the Admiralty (Sir John Lang)
who held office with aplomb for a number of years. Later the appointment was held by Rear
Admiral John Bell who had been a Royal Marine Corporal and Warrant Officer before entering the
Royal Naval Instructor Branch and finishing a distinguished career as the Fleet Instructor Officer –
among a number of other things, he was a qualified Barrister. It is believed that the longest serving
Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee was Commander Jeremy Owens, a former Base Supply

Officer of Portsmouth Naval Base and a qualified Naval Barrister. As is the custom of the RNA, the
Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee was and is given, from time to time, an unnecessarily
difficult ride by delegates who either disagree with his decisions, or who think/thought they
know/knew better. Experience has shown the incumbent be rarely incorrect or incoherent.
APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL SECRETARY WITH ANECDOTAL EVIDENCES AND LISTINGS
Throughout the history of the Royal Naval Association the office of General Secretary has been filled
by a series of retired officers (or in one case by an officer on the list of the Royal Marine Reserves).
They have by and large trodden a thankless path and been subject to much ill‐informed, public and
discourteous commentary designed (doubtless) to draw attention to the lack of manners of the
insultee rather than any deficiencies either in action or behaviour of the incumbent General
Secretary. This was particularly so in the case of the first General Secretary (Lieutenant Commander
Leslie Maskell) who served the Association faithfully and well for over 24 years and who was
continually and unjustly abused by a particular delegate from (strangely enough from the North
West of England where good manners appear to be at a premium) over a number of Conferences.
Immediately following one of these behavioural failures, the delegate in question collapsed with a
heart attack and would (we are led to believe) have expired had it not been for the combined efforts
of the General Secretary and the fortunate appearance of a passing medical practitioner.
Thankfully, the insultee recovered, at least well enough to resume his insulting behaviour at the
following Conference. Regrettably, this is but one example of the behaviour of many delegates and
shipmates over the many years since, where the General Secretary has been considered to be an
employed “Aunt Sally” by some shipmates (and particularly from many residing north of Luton) to
the extent where on one occasion in the early 21 st Century, the President of a Northern RNA Area
was called before a tribunal of fellow Area Presidents to answer for his unacceptable conduct in this
regard. The findings of the tribunal stopped his malicious output but, it has to be said, only for a
short time and this poverty of courtesy continues occasionally from other members.
The list of General Secretaries is as follows :
1950 Lt Cdr L H Maskell OBE RNR
1974 Captain R I D Tiddy RN
1980 Captain D W Beadle CBE RN
1987 Captain J Rayner RMR
1995 Captain R McQueen CBE RN
2003 Commodore B Leighton CBE RN
2006 Commander J McClurg RN
2010 Captain P A Quinn OBE RN
2018 Captain W A Oliphant RN

THE TREASURER AND ASSOCIATION ACCOUNTANT
Fortunately for the Association, Treasurers have enjoyed a lengthy tenure with most recent of the
three in the history of the Association , finally retiring after 30 years devoted Service (S/M R
Barraclough MSM). The Accountant likewise had a long tenure, with Mr Paul Broom (who joined
the Headquarters as a junior bookkeeper and left to form his own Accountancy firm) who served for
nearly 25 years as Association Accountant even after his personal and private company became a
rousing success. Sadly Paul died in 2008 following a short but aggressive illness however his
company (P D Broom Professional Services) continues to offer a dedicated, economic and highly
valued service to the Association.
LOCATION OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
In the early years of the Association the Annual Conference (which also doubles as the Association’s
Annual General Meeting as required by the Charity Commission) was invariably held at a London
location and was followed by a Re‐union Event and Concert. The Concert was mounted by a variety
of Beaver House, Londonartistes (many of whom had naval connections) and the fees charged (if
any) were generally well below the market rate for such appearances. After a number of years it
became clear that some Branches wished to hold the various events away from London with
Branches or Areas hosting the event, although the funding of the Conference was delegated to the
host organisation, and this precept has been maintained except in 2010 when the budget for
Conference was overrun by some £4,000. Over the course of time, this methodology became the
norm with the volunteering organisations regarding selection to host as something of an honour,
but the “smoker” or Concert died a natural death as the nature and availability of artistes changed
and diminished. The Conference has been held on the United Kingdom mainland except on three
occasions viz : Londonderry (2009), Ouistreham (2010) and Dublin (2018) – the hosting Branch or
Area is elected by Conference in response to a motion, two years ahead.
Conference Locations have been :
20 May 1950 Union Jack Club, London
27 May 1951 Beaver House, London
24 May 1952 Mansion House, London
16 May 1953 Caxton Hall, London
22 May 1954 Portsmouth Branch HQ
23 July 1955 University of Durham
21 July 1956 Royal Empire Society Hall, London
20 July 1957 City Hall, Cardiff
28 June 1958 Imperial Hotel, Blackpool
20 June 1959 Mansion House, London

25 June 1960 Guildhall, Portsmouth
24 June 1961 HMS PRESIDENT, London
23 June 1962 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
13 July 1963 Town Hall, Royal Leamington Spa
24 July 1964 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
24 July 1965 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
30 July 1966 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
9 Sept 1967 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
7 Sept 1968 Naval Club, Slough
4 Oct 1969 Fairfield Halls, Croydon
19 Sept 1970 Fairfield Halls, Croydon
26 Sept 1971 Fairfield Halls, Croydon
28 Oct 1972 Star and Garter Home, Richmond
3 Nov 1973 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
2 Nov 1974 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
14 June 1975 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
19 June 1976 Town Hall, Grimsby
18 June 1977 RNA Club Wear (Sunderland)
17 June 1978 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
16 June 1979 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
14 June 1980 HMS NELSON, Portsmouth
13 June 1981 Royal Commonwealth Society, London
12 June 1982 Crest Hotel, Cardiff
11 June 1983 Webster Hall, Arbroath
16 June 1984 HMS NELSON, Portsmouth
15 June 1985 The Spa, Scarborough
21 June 1986 City Hall, Belfast

20 June 1987 HMS NELSON, Portsmouth
18 June 1988 Town Hall, Grimsby
17 June 1989 Aberconwy Centre, Llandudno
16 June 1990 Guildhall, Portsmouth
22 June 1991 English Riviera Centre, Torquay
20 June 1992 Caird Hall, Dundee
19 June 1993 Guildhall, Portsmouth
9 July 1994 International Convention Centre, Birmingham
24 June 1995 Guildhall, Plymouth
22 June 1996 Guildhall, Portsmouth
21 June 1997 Waterfront Hall, Bedlfast
27 June 1998 Royal Spa Hall, Bridlington
19 June 1999 Floral Hall, Southport
24 June 2000 Pavilion Theatre, Weymouth
23 June 2001 Town Hall, Clacton‐on‐Sea
22 June 2002 City Hall, Perth
21 June 2003 Central Hall, Chatham
19 June 2004 Guildhall, Portsmouth
18 June 2005 Royal Spa Hall, Bridlington
17 June 2006 University of Wales, Aberystwyth
16 June 2007 Riviera Conference Centre, Torquay
28 June 2008 Caird Hall, Dundee
13 June 2009 City Hotel, Londonderry
4 June 2010 Stade Kieffer, Ouistreham
11 June 2011 Guildhall, Plymouth
9 June 2012 Assembly Rooms, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne
15 June 2013 St George’s Hall, Liverpool

14 June 2014 Royal Court Hotel, Coventry
20 June 2015 Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone
11 June 2016 Wokefield Park Hotel, Reading
3 June 2017 Station Hotel, Perth
9 June 2018 Royal Irish Yacht Club, Dublin
GUEST SPEAKERS AT RNA CONFERENCES
1954 Lord Mayor of Portsmouth & Rear Admiral G B H Fawkes CB CVO CBE (FOSM)
1955 Mayor of Durham & Professor Eaglesome (University of Durham)
1956 Mayor of Westminster
1957 Lord Mayor of Cardiff
1958 Mayor of Blackpool
1959 Lord Mayor of London
1960 Lord Mayor of Plymouth & Admiral Sir Richard Onslow KCB DSO*** (CinC Ply)
1961 Captain J G Young DSC VRD RNR (CO HMS PRESIDENT)
1962 Sir Clifford Jarrett KBE CB (Secretary of the Admiralty)
1963 Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa
1964 Mayor of Westminster
1965 Sir Michael Cary KCB (2 nd PUS (RN))
1965 Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster
1966 Lord Mayor of Westminster
1967 Mayor of Slough
1968 Mayor of Croydon
1969 Mayor of Croydon
1970 Mayor of Croydon
1971 Group Captain M Richardson MA MRCS LRCP (Comdt Star & Garter Home)
1972 Lord Mayor of Westminster
1973 Lord Mayor of Westminster

1974 Lord Mayor of Westminster
1975 Rear Admiral T Homan (DGNPS)
1976 Mayor of Grimsby
1977 Deputy Mayor of Sunderland
1978 Lord Mayor of Westminster
1979 Admiral Sir Gordon Tait KCB (Second Sea Lord)
1980 Commodore W E C Perkins (CO HMS NELSON & Commodore RN Barracks Portsmouth)
1981 Admiral Sir Desmond Cassidi KCB (Second Sea Lord)
1982 Lord Mayor of Cardiff
1983 Lord Lieutenant of Angus
1984 Lord Mayor of Portsmouth & Admiral Sir Desmond Cassidi (CinCNavHome)
1985 Mayor of Scarborough
1986 Lord Mayor of Belfast & Vice Admiral Sir George Vallings KCB (FOSNI)
1987 Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and Admiral Sir Peter Stanford KCB (CinCNavHome)
1988 Rear Admiral C J Howard (COS to CinCNavHome)
1989 Mayor of Llandudno & Mayor of Aberconwy & Capt R K S Bethell OBE (NRO West)
1990 Lord Mayor of Portsmouth & Admiral Sir Jeremy Black KCB DSO MBE (CinCNavHome)
1991 Mayor of Torbay & Vice Admiral Sir Alan Grose KBE (FO Ply)
1992 Lord Provost of Dundee & Captain D J Ellin OBE (NRO Scotland & NI)
1993 Lord Mayor of Portsmouth & Rear Admiral D K Bawtree (FO Portsmouth)
1994 Lord Mayor of Birmingham & Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman KCB (FO Ply)
1995 Lord Mayor of Plymouth & Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman KCB (FO Ply) & Capt J J Blok R Neth N
1996 Lord Mayor of Portsmouth & Admiral Sir Michael Boyce (CinCNavHome & Second Sea Lord)
1997 Lord Mayor of Belfast & Admiral Sir Jock Slater GCB (First Sea Lord & Chief of Naval Staff)
1998 Chairman East Riding District Council & Rear Admiral F M Malbon (Naval Secretary)
1999 Mayor of Sefton & Vice Admiral Alan West DSC (Chief of Defence Intelligence)
2000 Mayor of Weymouth & Vice Admiral P Spencer (Second Sea Lord)

2001 Chairman Tendring District Council & Colonel J S Mason RM (COS to CGRM)
2002 Provost Perth & Kinross Council & Rear Admiral D K Anthony (FO Scotland, NE & NI)
2003 Mayor of Chatham
2004 Lord Mayor of Portsmouth & Vice Admiral Sir James Burnell‐Nugent (CinCNavHome & 2 nd SL)
2005 Chair East Riding Council & Mayor of Bridlington & WO V Parsons (Comd WO Surface Ships)
2006 Chair Ceredigion Council & Mayor of Aberystwyth & Vice Admiral A Johns (Second Sea Lord)
2007 Chair Torbay Council & Rear Admiral Richard Ibbotson (FOST)
2008 Lord Provost of Dundee & Rear Admiral Phillip Jones (FO Scotland, NE & NI)
2009 Civic Rep & Vice Admiral Sir Alan Massey KCB CBE 2 nd Sea Lord & Cdre M Norman R Can N
2010 Maire of Ouistreham & Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope GCB (First Sea Lord & Chief of Naval Staff)
2011 Lord Mayor of Plymouth & Rear Admiral David Steel CBE (Naval Secretary)
2012 Rear Admiral C J Hockley (FO Scotland, NE and NI)
2013 Lord Mayor of Liverpool & Rear Admiral D Potts (ACDS (R&P))
2014 Lord Mayor of Coventry & Admiral Sir George Zambellas (First Sea Lord & Chief of Naval Staff)
2015 Mayor of Folkestone & Vice Admiral P Hudson (NATO Maritime Commander)
2016 Chair of West Berkshire Council
2017 Provost of Perth & Rear Admiral J Weale OBE (FO Scotland, NE & NI)
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
This has been a continual bone of contention over the years and it is unclear (from records available)
what the rate of annual subscription was in the RNOCA until its translation into the RNA. What is
clear is that the annual full members in 1952 was 4 Shillings (20 pence in 2018) with 1 Shilling (5
pence in 2018) being remitted to Headquarters to cover central administration. A proposal in 1952
to raise the subscription to 5 Shillings was not passed – minutes report a number of interruptions
from 9 and 10 area delegates during the debate. The same Motion was raised again (as a National
Council proposal) at the 1953 Conference was again lost. Conference Minutes repeatedly record
the various proposals and (somewhat acrimonious) debate which occurred over the years and a
particularly prolonged exchange of views took place at the 2014 Conference in Folkestone when it
was apparent that many delegates personally supported the proposal for increase but were
mandated by their Branches to vote against, which they did. The failure to approve an increase in
subscriptions (generally it was advanced) on the inability of the membership to pay, was somewhat
negated by the plethora of high value bank notes and extraordinarily large rounds of drinks, evident
in the bar following the debate in question. This is a saga which will evidently run on for years to
come. The Annual Subscription currently stands at £14.

Despite the foregoing, it is clear that many Branches have employed a selective methodology for the
collection of subscriptions by either paying the subscriptions of those clearly unable to do so from
their own resources or, neglecting to ask for them. The kindness and concern of the Messdeck
continues, and long may it do so. Comradeship is one of the principal watchwords of the
Association.
THE ASSOCIATION’S WHITEHALL MARCH
While the Conference/Reunion was held in London it became the norm for the Association Members
to march (in a formed body and with bands) to The Cenotaph on the Sunday Morning following
Conference. The mounting of the Annual Conference outside London necessitated a rethink and
the Association now forms up to march in Whitehall on the second Sunday in September in alternate
years, with a Flag Officer taking the Salute. A short drumhead Service is usually led by the Chaplain
of the Fleet and is followed by lunchtime drinks and buffet (usually in the Civil Service Club, Great
Scotland Yard. Arrangements for the Parade and Service are made by RNA Headquarters liaising
with the Police Silver Commander (Charing Cross Police Station).
THE ASSOCIATION’S INVOLVEMENT IN REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY COMMEMORATIONS
The Association, together with other Military Service Associations gathers on Horse Guards Parade
on the appropriate Sunday, to take part in the Annual Remembrance Service and subsequent march
past the Cenotaph. The National Chairman (together with his colleagues from the Royal British
Legion and The Royal Air Forces Association) lays a wreath at the Cenotaph. Although the
Association’s Members gather as a formed body they are invariably joined by others who are not
RNA Members but who have former Naval Service. As is customary the RNA Members usually
gather in the Civil Service Club on completion of the event.
INSTITUTION OF STANDARD BEARERS’ COMPET ITION (1973 – 8 AREA) AND INTRODUCTION OF
CHESTER CUP
A National Standard Bearer’s Competition was initiated in 2006 and has been keenly contested on a
bi‐Annual basis ever since. A list of National Standard Bearers (as being the winner of the
competition) is as follows :
2006 S/M M Kieran
2008 S/M R Coburn
2010 S/M R Coburn
2012 S/M S Susans
2014 S/M R Coburn
2016 S/M R Coburn
2018 S/M R Coburn

RECRUITING – NEED TO IMPROVE – BRIGGS DIRK AND TASKER BOWL
The first mention of the need to improve recruiting to the Association was made in the President’s
opening address to the 1951 Conference when he said “I have been disappointed to find that the
membership is nothing like what I had been given to understand. The National Council has put in a
lot of hard work, and progress has been made towards a better state of affairs, but the immediate
increase of membership which I said in my letter of last year to be of primary importance, still hangs
fire and still calls for an all‐out effort on the part of every member of the Association”. The total
membership of the Royal Naval Association in 1951 is unclear from available records, however the
membership of the RNOCA in 1949 was reported as being 16, 261 although again it is uncertain how
many of these members transferred to the newly created RNA in 1950.
THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME CONFEDERATION (IMC)
The International Maritime Confederation (IMC) is an Association of eight (8) ntions with a maritime
history and comprises Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and The
United Kingdom. Their delegates meet on an Annual basis in a nominated host country where, apart
from social events one of the eight provides and annual sailing camp for young people (18 years or
less) in order to foster cross border co‐operation and friendship. The RNA held the Presidency
(rotational) from September 2008 and hosted the Confederation Conference (very successfully) in
2006 and 2009 as well as running the Annual IMC Sailing Camp in Cornwall in 2008. The National
Council has strongly supported the endeavours of the IMC and encourage RNA officials to participate
in its activities and so enhance the RNA profile across Europe. Despite RNA successes, membership
of IMC has not met with whole‐hearted approval from Conference Delegates and a number of
Motions have been tabled over the years inviting National Council to withdraw from IMC
Membership – so far, no such motion has secured the approval of Conference.
DISBANDMENT OF No 10 AREA
As mentioned previously, dissention within the Association is not unknown. Available Minutes are
unclear as to the precise details, however there is a somewhat contentious series of notes regarding
the forced (?) temporary suspension/disbandment of No. 10 Area by the National Council, and the
unequivocal support given to this course of action by the delegates to the 1953 Conference. The
Area was reformed or reconstituted some 2 years later, however it is clear from a reading of
Conference Minutes (and the anecdotal evidence of various Royal Naval Association officials), that
the relationship of the North West Area and its Branches with the Central Administration has not
always been as facile and unblemished as it might have been. A number of propositions (which have
never advanced beyond rhetoric) have been discussed (in Area) in relatively recent years regarding
the establishment of a North Western Royal Naval Association distinct from its National Parent
SECTION REQUIRED ON DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF
NAVAL SERVICE MEMORIAL AT NATIONAL ARBORETUM