Raleigh opens its gates for the Year of Engineering

HMS Raleigh will celebrate the Year of Engineering in September by welcoming back engineering ratings who started their careers at the base in Torpoint or the former HMS Fisgard.

Current and former members of the engineering branch are invited to apply to attend the event, which will take place on Friday 28 September.

Guests will be given the opportunity to find out how initial naval training compares to the course they undertook and will also be invited to witness the passing-out-parade. 

Those who wish to do so may take part in the parade, by forming a squad to march past and salute the VIP inspecting officer for the day. 

The VIP is Captain Peter Towell, the current Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan who joined the Royal Navy at HMS Fisgard.

Warrant Officer 1 Pete Simpson, the event organiser, said:  “The government has designated 2018 as the Year of Engineering to celebrate and increase awareness of engineering career opportunities. 

“The Royal Navy is an active partner and since the Second World War the vast majority of Naval engineering ratings have started their careers in Torpoint. 

“Therefore we thought it was fitting to hold an event here at HMS Raleigh.” 

Numbers for the event are limited and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  Application forms are available by emailing Mrs Amanda Bell: [email protected] and should be returned by Friday 3 August 2018.

HMS Fisgard was a shore training establishment located in Torpoint and was used to train artificers and engineers for the Royal Navy.  The establishment was closed in 1983 and initial training was relocated to HMS Raleigh.