HMS President (London)

Recruiting across the Greater London area, HMS President is the largest Royal Naval Reserve unit in the country.

Role

Led by Commander Laura Harrison, HMS President is the largest Royal Naval Reserve unit in the country, maintaining a permanent Royal Navy presence in London, whilst offering reservists a full range of RNR career opportunities, combined with a vibrant sports and social programme.

Along with its main London presence, an integral part of the Unit is Medway Division, located in the town of Rochester and attracting recruits from Kent, SE London and South Essex.

Unit history

1903

The London Division

The London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve was established in 1903. Its first training night was held at Fishmongers' Hall, later taking place on board HMS Buzzard on the Thames.

1911

Blackfriars

Berthed on the Thames at Blackfriars, HMS Buzzard was renamed HMS President in 1911.

1922

HMS President (1918)

Launched in 1918, the former Flower Class Q Ship, HMS Saxifrage, was renamed HMS President in 1922 and moored permanently on the Thames as Royal Naval Reserve drill ship.

1930

HMS Chrysanthemum

In the 1930’s, HMS President was joined by HMS Chrysanthemum and they became a familiar sight along London's Embankment.

1988

Current location

In 1988, both HMS President and HMS Chrysanthemum were sold and the Unit moved ashore to its current location in St Katharine Docks overlooking Tower Bridge.

2018

Privileged Regiment Status

The Unit exercised its 'privileged regiment status' during the Lord Mayor's Show, a civic honour granted by the City of London in 2016 allowing the ship's company to march with bayonets fixed.

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President

Contact Details

Address:

HMS President, 72 St Katharine's Way, London, E1W 1UQ

Telephone: 0207 481 7219

Email Address: [email protected]

Additional Information

Training evenings take place every Tuesday 7:00PM - 9:00PM