More recent history
In 1958 the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) ceased to exist as a separate entity, but many officers transfered into the newly formed Royal Naval Reserve. (RNR)
On 17 May 2003 the Sovereign's Colours were presented to the Royal Naval Reserve. Reproduced here are the two key speeches at the Ceremony.
Vice
Admiral HRH The Prince of Wales, KG, KT, GCB, OM, on the occasion of the Presentation
of the Sovereign's Colours to the Royal Naval Reserve:
“Commodore
Ellis, officers, warrant officers, senior ratings, men and women of the Royal
Naval Reserve. I am delighted to be able to join you on this historic day which
celebrates the centenary of the formation of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
and the continuing contribution made to this country by the volunteer service
men and women of the modern Royal Naval Reserve. From its humble beginnings
in 1903, the RNVR came to play a pivotal role in both World Wars. Over 70,000
reservists served in the First World War, in the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air
Arm but also, most significantly, with the Army, as the Royal Naval Division,
fighting at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. In recognition of their outstanding
bravery at sea and on land, 18 reservists won the Victoria Cross between 1914
and 1918. At the height of the Second World War, some 500,000 Reservists made
up nearly three quarters of the Navy's manpower. In the words of Admiral Viscount
Cunningham: ‘It is not widely known to what extent the Navy was dependent upon
the RNVR.... and there were few naval activities which they did not penetrate
and play a full part.’
The
Royal Naval Reserve, formed in 1958, makes the same vital contribution to naval
operations as its forebears did nearly 60 years ago. Today, RNR personnel serve
with distinction with the Royal Navy, not only in support roles, for which they
provide essential expertise to the regular forces, but also at the 'front line'
at sea in our ships, submarines and aircraft.The Sovereign's Colours, which
I present to you on behalf of Her Majesty, are given in grateful tribute to
the thousands of servicemen and women of the Royal Naval Reserve and the Volunteer
Reserve who have served this country so steadfastly, in war and in peacetime,
throughout the last 100 years. May they also provide the focus for you and your
successors in the next century, to emulate the deeds of those who have gone
before and to uphold the fine traditions they established. I commend these Colours
to your safekeeping as a source of inspiration to all of you, wherever you may
be, in the continuing service of your country.”
Commodore J. A. Ellis, RD,
ADC, RNR:
“Your
Royal Highness, On behalf of the officers and men and women of the Royal Naval
Reserve may I thank you for according us the honour of being here today and
for presenting-the Sovereign's Colours of the Royal Navy to the Royal Naval
Reserve on behalf of Her Majesty. This is the first time the Sovereign's Colours
have been presented to the Royal Naval Reserve and it is most fitting that the
RNR has been honoured in this, its centenary year. Sir, in the recent conflict
in Iraq, over 300 naval reservists were mobilised to serve in the Gulf area
and Iraq, as well as in headquarters afloat and in the UK.” They have served
with distinction and many of them are here today, on parade. I am glad to report
that the Royal Naval Reserve of today carries on the fine traditions of service
to Crown and country which have long been part of its ethos since the time of
the RNVR and even further back to the Sea Fencibles and the privateers of Tudor
days. Sir, thank you once again for joining us today and I should be grateful
if you could convey to Her Majesty that her Naval Reserve is in a healthy state."