2025 RNEC Reunion

Building on his first book, The Engineering Branch of the Royal Navy, Mark 'Dicky' Barton (88EDC) is about to release a new edition Fanning the Coals and Forging the Weapons that is approximately three times the size.  The hardback book is available for pre-orders via markbartonrn@gmail.com for £25, incl. free P&P within the UK.  All profits will go to maritime historical charities. Mark will be at the reunion on Saturday with copies of his prior edition for review.

Additional notes from the author:

Throughout the past 200 years of naval history, naval engineers have made a significant contribution to operations afloat, ashore and in the air, and many have received gallantry awards yet few of us are familiar with their stories. This comprehensive work is the first publicly available book that follows the history of The Engineering Branch of the Royal Nary, looking at how it came to be established in 1837 and then following the Branch through its challenges as it and the Navy developed, bringing the account right up to date. It is a celebration of the members of the Branch and tells the stories of many of the acts of heroism undertaken by naval engineers, including the VC won in support of the war in Crimea and all the members of the Branch who won Albert Medals and George Crosses. It links this into the changes in employment, training, status and branch structures that occurred. This book offers the opportunity to enjoy and understand this rich history, to enjoy the stories of the branch and revel in the deeds of those that came before us.

As Admiral Le Bailey quoted: "In spite of all fictions to the contrary, the engineering personnel are combatants: they either sink or swim with the ship and their participation in the sinking process is attended by trials of morale of a very severe and exceptional character." Therefore, whether you are an engineer, technician, artificer, mechanician, mechanic, torpedoman, greenie, grubber, shipwright, plumber or stoker or related to one - or just wish to understand this group of people - then I hope you enjoy this book.

Captain David Wixon RN (RNEC 58-63 & 80-82) is a former MEO of HMS COURAGEOUS and serves as the President of the HMS Courageous Association.  David is also an accomplished artist and has produced an excellent drawing of the RNEC Manadon wardroom and accommodation wings (see below).  David has several prints left and will be making them available for purchase at the Saturday evening reunion event.  The prints are approx. one metre long and are packaged in a cardboard tube with a certificate of authenticity signed by David.

In addition to the local hotels and guest houses, you might also consider looking into the China Fleet Country Club in Saltash, Cornwall.  The club offers current and former service members some excellent deals, including the offer of £95 per night for a 1-bedroom self-catering apartment.  See the brochure and link below for more information.

China Fleet Country Club - Military Discounts