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 along side our Chair  meet our Parton, 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 - 60th anniversary.

    Exercise 'Orange Tree' a multiple emergency services exercise on the Thames.

    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 formally thanked by the Royal Naval Reserve for assisting in 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 Royal Patron of the Maritime Volunteer Service

    MVS granted a Privileged Ensign

    Marshalling duties by Portsmouth unit at the International Festival of the Sea

    1994

    Maritime Volunteer Service formed - takes over and expands many former RNXS roles

    Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS) disbanded following defence review