UK: Fond Farewell for HMS Dalriada Reserves

The Reservists of HMS Dalriada have paraded for the last time in Greenock before they move headquarters to Govan. The Navy Buildings in Greenock have been home to the Inverclyde Reserve Unit since 1981 and their final drill night (21st December 2012) was one of reflection and thanks.

Friends, family, former Dalriadans and ex Commanding Officers gathered with invited guests to bid a fond farewell to the building.

The Provost of Inverclyde, Mr Robert Moran, thanked HMS Dalriada for supporting the annual acts of Remembrance in the Inverclyde area, as well as countless other community events during the time the unit has been based there.

In a moving ceremony that concluded with the final Evening Colours ceremony, the Commanding Officer, Commander Roger Curtis, led the Ship’s Company in reminiscing about the years spent at Navy Buildings. Current Dalriadans shared their memories and experiences of their time in the building.

For Chief Petty Officer Ann McGarva, her last evening at Navy Buildings was particularly poignant as it is also where she has worked for many years as a Civil Servant. She said:

“I have learned many new skills and achieved many qualifications that I could never learn in the civilian world, yet I can use them outside the MOD.

“I have been airlifted to safety from the deck of ferries during exercises and joined the crew of 819 Sqn during a Perisher course to hunt down a submarine I have climbed Munroes, walked for miles in the Argyllshire hills and the Cairngorms, and speed-marched through the hills and dales around Chichester.

“When I looked back at all my experiences and the things I have achieved over the last 34 years I realised that it has been the people that have made it all memorable, the place could have been anywhere.

“So, as much as I am very sad to see Dalriada leave and move to Govan, we have done it before. Govan is a new chapter and I look forward to making many new memories there.”

The 70 Reservists from HMS Dalriada start 2013 in their new home in Govan.

Reservists come from all walks of life and their RNR careers, which fit around their civilian occupations and family lives, provide them with specialist training, sport, adventurous training and plenty of opportunities to travel.

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Naval Today Staff, January 3, 2013; Image: Royal Navy