Hundreds of naval personnel and veterans join parade celebrating lifelong bonds of shipmates

Hundreds of members of the Royal Naval family have taken part in a parade on the streets of London which celebrates camaraderie between shipmates, and commemorates the fallen.

More than 400 members of the naval community including serving personnel and veterans marched past the Cenotaph in Whitehall during the Royal Naval Association's Biennial Parade.

The event also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Royal Navy and the Royal Naval Association (RNA), a document that recognises the special relationship between the association and the Navy.

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The RNA has more than 18,000 members and spans 240 branches in the UK and overseas, supporting veterans, serving personnel and their families.

The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell CBE, said he was delighted to sign the memorandum. 

"I am honoured to take the salute at today's parade here at the Cenotaph. The RNA is committed to supporting, implementing, and promoting the ethos of and values of the Royal Navy," he said.

Personnel from HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan were in attendance, as well as representatives from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Members from 12 Naval Associations marched in the event, including the Association of Wrens, the Association of Royal Yachtsmen, the Submariners Association and the Merchant Navy Association.

Members of the Belgian Naval Association also joined the parade.

"The parade is an important opportunity for the Royal Naval family; serving, veterans and families from across the country and across the RN disciplines to pay their respects both to each other and those who made the ultimate sacrifice," Captain Bill Oliphant, CEO of the Royal Naval Association said.

"The RNA has over18,000 members who are located across the world. Once you join the Navy you join a lifelong community of like-minded and supportive shipmates. 'Once Navy, Always Navy'."