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Raleigh opens its gates to veterans for unique experience
29 October 2024
Did you serve at HMS Raleigh and fancy a trip down memory lane – while encouraging a new generation of Royal Navy sailors?
After a winter break, from spring 2025, the gates to the Torpoint establishment are open again, allowing veterans back on site on some Fridays for a mix of nostalgia and a glimpse of tomorrow’s navy.
First introduced in the autumn of last year, the initiative allows old shipmates to reminisce, see how training has (or in some instances hasn’t) changed, and watch recruits pass out filled with the same sense of pride as they did.
Raleigh’s senior staff are keen to reinvigorate the initiative, giving access to the site to veterans, but also to show them how training has evolved to meet the expectations of young men and women and meet the demands of the Fleet in which they serve.
You will watch successful recruits receive their epaulettes, tour a messdeck which serves as their home for the ten weeks of basic training, and watch a film showing how the RN of 2025 turns civilians into sailors.
After eating you’ll move to the parade ground (or drill shed if raining) for the passing-out-parade.
Throughout you will be hosted by members of staff, meet families of trainees passing out, as well as the recruits themselves. before attending the parade.
Anyone – whether you served on the staff or Raleigh or only attended basic training and never returned – is welcome to attend and you can bring a partner/friend/carer, with allocation made on a first-come, first served basis.
Contact [email protected] to find out more.