Royal Navy Chaplain

Reverend Tudor Botwood RN

After the college I went to sea to learn the ropes from an experienced chaplain. This time on board proved formative and the things I learnt then have stood me in good stead throughout my career.

Op Telic; the name given to the Iraq campaign was a very interesting time to be a new chaplain in the Navy, there were quite few challenges but that is the fun of military chaplaincy you never know what the day will bring, and if really stuck there are always those around who can offer advise and support.

It’s difficult to describe what it means to be a chaplain on an operation such as Herrick (Afghanistan). On the one hand it is the most incredible experience when ministry comes alive and is vital, on the other it is emotionally draining; as you support all around you but are quite isolated yourself. Operations in Afghan certainly changed my perspective on life and ministry. Problems which seem large to people in the western world look very small when compared to the struggle for life out there.

After 30 Commando I joined 42 Commando and went back out to Afghanistan for another seven month tour, and thoroughly enjoyed it, but came home very tired indeed.

At the moment I serve at RNAS Yeovilton, which is a Royal Navy air base, so something totally different again, I think this is one of the best things about military chaplaincy; the variety. On times the pace is frantic at others it is more relaxed and gives you time for reading and reflection. I suppose the greatest recommendation I can give is to say I wish I had joined Royal Naval Chaplaincy sooner in my calling as a Baptist Minister