RNRMC -Remembrance and Comradeship

Off By Ed Hanna

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) plays a significant role in supporting remembrance and fostering comradeship within the Royal Navy community. One of the ways RNRMC does this is via their partnership with Greenwich Hospital, distributing Remembrance and Comradeship grants. These grants are available to support beneficiaries by enabling them to participate in remembrance and comradeship events and activities, bringing together Veterans, Serving personnel and bereaved families.

Earlier this year a grant was awarded to members of Bridgewater branch of The Royal Marines Association, enabling them to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Rots (a village near Caen) by No. 46 (Royal Marine) Commando during World War II. The funding covered the travel expenses for the members, allowing them to reconnect with old comrades, reflect on the past, and remember sacrifices made during the war.

Funding was also awarded this year to the Royal Naval Association (RNA) to support its World War II Veteran members, including nine D-Day Veterans. The D-Day Veterans’ local branches liaise with families and carers to ensure that the Veterans are comfortable and well looked after, adhering to the RNA’s ethos of the ‘Seven Cs’ – community, companionship, connection, compassion, care, commemoration, and celebration. The funding is also enabling the RNA to compile an archive of World War II Veterans’ voices, preserving their stories for future generations. Additionally, in the summer of 2024, a special garden party was held in Portsmouth, where Veterans gathered to reminisce and share their experiences.

Impact
Another notable example of the RNRMC’s impact was a Falklands pilgrimage that took place from 18 – 26 March 2024. A group of Veterans, led by Mike Warren, returned to the Falklands for the first time since the conflict of 1982.

A key part of their journey was paying respects at the HMS Coventry memorial on Pebble Island, dedicated to crew members who lost their lives when it sank on 25th May 1982. This emotional pilgrimage provided the Veterans with a chance to deal with feelings of loss and guilt, while also forming new memories and friendships. The trip was made possible through the Remembrance and Comradeship Grant from the RNRMC and Greenwich Hospital.

Paying respects
Mike Warren said: “This trip has helped me enormously with my state of mind, as I always wanted to go to the HMS Coventry memorial and pay my respects to my good friend, Steve Tonkin, who was sadly lost on that fateful day.

I am extremely grateful to the charity for facilitating my return to the islands, pay my respects and meet nine strangers who will no doubt become lifelong friends.”

Through these initiatives, the RNRMC continues to honour the legacy of those who Served, fostering a sense of community and remembrance for Veterans and their families.