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

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