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

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