PRINCESS ROYAL TAKES SALUTE
HER Royal Highness The Princess Royal took the salute at yesterday’s passing-out parade at Dartmouth’s Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC).
The final parade of 2020 formed this year’s Lord High Admiral’s Divisions. Her Royal Highness was invited to inspect the passing-out classes, which for the first time included ten newly promoted Lieutenants who had successfully completed the inaugural three-week Warrant Officers’ Commissioning Programme.
The new scheme offers the Royal Navy’s most senior non-commissioned officers the chance to continue their career progression to Lieutenant and potentially beyond, in a way which recognises and uses their considerable skills and experience.
Among those completing the course were Lt Wayne Thomas, from Cornwall.
Lt Thomas joined the Royal Navy in 1995 and lives near Truro. The 48-year-old said: “I feel extremely privileged to attend the Warrant Officer Commissioning Programme and to be one of the first Warrant Officer Class Ones to be promoted directly to Lieutenant.”
The Guard of Honour comprised 41 Ratings of Whittall Division, who had completed a nine-week training course. Ratings training normally takes place at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall, but, with a surge of interest in a career in the Royal Navy, BRNC has been used to provide two extra new entry courses this year.
The parade also included 18 Senior Upper Yardmen promoted from the ranks, 24 new officers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service, 23 new entry Medical Officers and six Officer Cadets. Each group had completed their own bespoke training programme.
Captain Roger Readwin ADC, Captain BRNC, said: “All passing-out parades are special, but Lord High Admiral’s Division is probably the most prestigious of the year and to have Her Royal Highness here was a great honour for all who took part.
“Those passing out should be proud of their achievements to earn their place on the parade ground. Due to the ongoing pandemic, families and friends were unable to attend the parade, which was a desperate shame, but I would like to thank them all for their incredible support to their loved ones whilst undergoing training.
“Despite the pandemic, BRNC has continued to provide essential training to maintain the Royal Navy’s operational capability, fulfil our operational outputs and national security responsibilities.
“While 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, I’m incredibly proud of the way that my staff have adapted and embraced new ideas, such as the Ratings training, to protect the in-flow of new blood into the Service.”
The Princess Royal last visited the College for Lord High Admiral’s Divisions in 2016. The Princess holds the rank of Admiral and is Chief Commandant of Women in the Royal Navy.