NAVAL RESERVISTS TO RECEIVE SOVEREIGN'S COLOUR

19 Aug 2002 11:16 AM

Following a personal recommendation by the First Sea Lord, Her Majesty the Queen has graciously approved the presentation of the Sovereign's Colour for the Royal Navy to the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) in recognition of their continuing support to the Regular Service.

Commodore John Ellis, the Senior Reserve Officer, said:

"This is a tremendous accolade for those who have served in the RNVR and RNR and for those serving today. The Wavy Navy (RNVR) which was amalgamated into the RNR in 1958, provided more than 80% of Naval Officers and Ratings in 1945 and that valiant spirit lives on, with more than 97% of today's RNR coming from a volunteer civilian background."

It is planned to combine the presentation of the Sovereign's Colour with a special parade in London to mark the centenary of the Naval Volunteer Reserves next year.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR), often known as the Wavy Navy because of their wavy stripes, will celebrate their centenary, to be known as RNR100, in 2003.

2. A website has been established at www.rnr100.com giving up-to-date details as the RNR100 project progresses.

3. Down-loadable logos and images are available from the website. www.rnr100.com

4. It is estimated that there are more than 40,000 former Naval Reservists in all corners of the UK and abroad.

5. Supporters of RNR100 events are encouraged to register as Supporters on the website www.rnr100.com at no cost for e-mail updates as the project develops.

6. The eminent Naval author, Stephen Howarth, is writing a commemorative hard-back book of some 60,000 words, The Royal Navy's Reserves in War and Peace 1903-2003, for which photographs, are required. Publication will be on 21st October 2003.

7. Further information can be obtained from the website: www.rnr100.com or direct from the Project Director, Commander Robert Avis by e-mail to: pd@rnr100.com or by post to: RNR100, PO Box 2000, KENLEY, Surrey, CR8 5XL