History

History

Since being formed in 1994, we have been very busy. See below for the highlights from across the years.

  • 2010s

    2016-Richard Dale a former Trustee and National Secretary, an active member of the Humber Unit, was recognised at the highest level with the award of an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

    2015-MVS ground crew assist at the Shoreham Air Show when, a Hawker Hunter T7 failed to complete a loop manoeuvre and crashed onto vehicles on the A27. The national training vessel East Sussex 1 crewed by volunteers from across the MVS sailed to France on May 21st to support the Return of the Little Ships to Dunkirk, aiding one of those gallant vessels after it suffered engine problems. While alongside our Chair met our Patron, who is also the honorary admiral of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships in Dunkirk.

    2014-The Service once more has a bricks and mortar headquarters. Thanks to the generosity of the Warrington Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Registered Office of the MVS is now the International Business Centre, Delta Crescent, Warrington, WA5 7WQ.

    2013-Northumbria unit establish an annual Remembrance Day Parade of Sail on the River Tyne.

    2012-The MVS was honoured when we were awarded The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, known as the ‘MBE for Voluntary Organisations’ one of only 60 organisations to receive this prestigious award. Assisting with marshalling duties and much more at the Olympics in London and Weymouth. Members of the London units and other units take part in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant. London unit assists at a VIP visit by Lord Tuiakano, Prime Minister of Tonga.

    2011-Portsmouth unit provides a media boat for the start of the Clipper Race 2011/12. BBC Radio Solent interview on the H2O Show.

    2010-Members from units around the country escort ‘The Little Ships’ to Dunkirk on its 60th anniversary. Exercise ‘Orange Tree’ a multiple emergency services exercise on the Thames take place.Members from the London unit provide assistance to the Thames Foreshore Project.

  • 2000s

     2009-Members of City of London, Sovereign Harbour, Shoreham, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight units attend and provide a colour party at the funeral of Commander Sir Robin Gillett Bt GBE RD RNR (Rtd). London unit were formally thanked by the Royal Naval Reserve for assisting in the dining out of Commodore Stephen Thorne RD ADC RNR (Rtd).

    2008-Members from the Portsmouth unit assist the MCA MRCC Solent with the wreck of the MV Ice Princess.

    2007-Units from Poole, Portsmouth and Portland assist the MCA MRCC Portland with the wreck of the MV Napoli.

    2006-Members from the Portsmouth unit crew an admiral’s barge for BBC’s Antiques Roadshow from Portsmouth.

    2005-Marshalling boat duties by the Portsmouth unit at the International Fleet Review (aka Trafalgar 200). Providing media and marshalling boats for the Tall Ships Race in Newcastle. Portsmouth unit provides marshall boats for the International Festival of the Sea.

    2002-Marshalling afloat duties by the Portsmouth Unit at the Tall Ships Race.

    2001-Marshal boat duties by the Portsmouth unit at the International Festival of the Sea.

    2000-Numerous members help escort ‘The Little Ships’ to Dunkirk – 50th anniversary.

  • 1990s

    1998-Armed Forces Minister, Dr John Reid, announces that the Royal Navy would give Formal Recognition to the Maritime Volunteer Service – Parliment Link. HRH Prince Michael of Kent becomes the Royal Patron of the Maritime Volunteer Service. The MVS are granted a Privileged Ensign and Marshalling duties are performed by Portsmouth unit at the International Festival of the Sea

    1994-The Maritime Volunteer Service is formed and takes over and expands many former RNXS roles. The Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS) was disbanded following a defence review