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.