The Royal Naval Association (RNA) took pride of place at today’s Cenotaph Parade in London, standing front and centre as the nation came together to remember the fallen. This year’s event held special significance as the Association marked its 75th anniversary—celebrating 75 years of service, camaraderie, and dedication to the Naval Family.
The RNA had over 120 members marching in it’s platoon, among whom were three WW2 veterans.
Donald Coombe MBE joined the war effort at just 16, having lied about his age after narrowly surviving the bombing of Hither Green Station. On D-Day, he played a vital role in readying the landing craft from the British side, ensuring they were fit for the historic invasion. Outside of his military duties, Donald was also a talented boxer. His skill in the ring earned him recognition within the Royal Navy, where he helped secure the Navy Light Heavyweight title.
Betty Withers was just 14 years old when Britain declared war in 1939. By the age of 17 and a half, Betty had volunteered to join the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens), driven by a sense of duty and a desire to contribute. Assigned to Hayling Island, Betty served as a cook, a role that, while behind the scenes, was vital to the morale and readiness of the troops. Her kitchen became a place of comfort and camaraderie, where meals were more than sustenance, they were a moment of normality in extraordinary times. One of the most poignant moments of Betty’s service came on the eve of D-Day. As Allied forces prepared for the largest seaborne invasion in history, Betty cooked the final supper for the men who would set out across the Channel the following morning.
Bill (William) Jones left school at 14 due to the outbreak of war. He served as an Air Fitter/Metal Worker with the Fleet Air Arm, training with MONAB IV before deploying to Australia and then Ponam Island in the Pacific. Life on Ponam was harsh, with extreme heat, limited supplies, and dangerous wildlife, but Bill contributed to aircraft maintenance for the British Pacific Fleet during operations against Japan.
Formed in 1950, the RNA represents the largest community of Royal Naval veterans, serving personnel, and their families, with nearly 25,000 members across more than 240 branches worldwide. United under the enduring motto “Once Navy, Always Navy,” the Association continues to provide lifelong friendship and support to all who have served.
Around 120 RNA ‘Shipmates’—the largest contingent in the Association’s history—marched past the Cenotaph in honour of those who gave their lives in service to their country. Leading Column A was the RNA’s Chief Executive, Bill Oliphant, symbolising the unity and strength of the Naval Family through 75 years of service and remembrance.
The Association’s National Chairman, Andy Christie, who served 35 years in the Royal Navy including during the Falklands War, laid a wreath on behalf of all RNA members.
“For me, Remembrance is deeply personal,” said Andy Christie, National Chairman of the Royal Naval Association. “My family’s service stretches across both World Wars and beyond. Marching today, I carried their memories and the shared spirit of every shipmate who stood the watch. This 75th anniversary year reminds us that our bonds are as strong today as they ever were.”
Among the marchers were several WWII veterans, including Shipmate John “Jack” Trowbridge, aged 99, who served aboard HMS King George V during the Arctic Convoys.
“Each year I come to remember the shipmates who never made it home,” said Jack “The faces may change, but the spirit never does. Seeing younger generations marching beside us fills me with pride—it means the Navy’s heart still beats strong.”
As the Royal Naval Association looks back on 75 years of service and fellowship, it continues to honour the generations of men and women who have worn the Royal Navy uniform—past, present, and future. From WWII veterans to today’s serving sailors, the RNA remains a living testament to the resilience, camaraderie, and unbreakable bonds of the Naval Family.
A grant from the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Greenwich Hospital helped RNA members from across the UK travel to London for the parade—ensuring Shipmates of all generations could take part in this special anniversary year of remembrance.
