British Legion Ode
He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past
Of a war that we had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
Of his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes, every one.
And tho’ sometimes, to his neighbours, his tales became a joke
His Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Jack has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer, for a sailor died today.
He was just a common sailor and his ranks were growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the sailor’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honour while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our country is in mourning, for a sailor died today.
©Royal British Legion
Baton of Yesterday passed to our Today
Join Our Community
Providing valuable connections to serving members and veterans with care
With care, camaraderie and support at the very heart of our ethos, as a growing community of Royal Navy Police and former Regulators, we are connected by bonds forged in service life and by remembrance.
Through our shared experiences and shared values, we encourage the rekindling of past friendships and fostering of new ones, online, in the forum or at reunion events, to strengthen our bonds and enrich our individual and collective story as members of the Regulating Branch and Royal Navy Police Association.
What we do
A Rich Heritage
With a rich heritage steeped in history and tradition, care and integrity, we welcome you to the website of the Regulating Branch and Royal Navy Police Association, we are delighted you found your way here and look forward to welcoming you to our Association family as a visitor to the site or current or future member of the Association.
In Waters Deep
In ocean wastes no poppies blow, no crosses stand in ordered row,
There young hearts sleep beneath the wave, the spirited, the good, the brave.
But stars a constant vigil keep, for them who lie beneath the deep.
‘Tis true you cannot kneel in prayer on certain spot and think. “He’s there.” but you can to the ocean go see whitecaps marching row, on row;
Know one for him will always ride, in and out… with every tide.
And when your span of life is passed, he’ll meet you at the “Captain’s Mast.”
And they who mourn on distant shore for sailors who’ll come home no more, can dry their tears and pray for these who rest beneath the heaving seas…
For stars that shine and winds that blow and whitecaps marching row on row and they can never lonely be, for when they lived, they chose the sea.
©2001 by Eileen Mahoney
Lest We Forget
The Regulating branch and royal navy police
Image Gallery
Our galleries represent background information for the guest visitor and a wealth of memories for our members, of their careers, shared experiences, ships and establishments, of a unique life in service.
A snapshot gallery is accessible to all visitors and full access to all photographs across many topics available to Association Members via a “Members Area” login.
events
Supporting Our Events
Our Annual General Meeting is the go-to event where we combine an update by the committee, general Royal Navy news and presentations as part of a broader schedule of weekend events with a choice of 2, 3 or 4 day attendance, accommodation, a visit to a local place of interest and a gala dinner event, there’s always room for “Tot Time”.
Throughout the year we look to provide representation and look to expand the range of events to our membership base in the future.
We look forward to seeing you there.
News & Updates
Regular general updates are available through the Our news and updates channel. Here you will find flash notifications, details of upcoming events, meetings and details of colleagues who have crossed the bar.
As a member you will also receive a copy of the Association journal, the Hearsay Herald, detailing what’s new in our Association and Royal Navy World with some informative and historical articles, friendly “dits”, good grace and humour.
Christmas – New Year 2025
President's Message
The Membership of the Regulating Branch and Royal Navy Police Association
Ladies and Gentlemen,
So we come to an end of another year. What a year of challenges it has been and quite where it will lead us in 2025 is anyone’s guess. But I trust that it will bring us the hope of new possibilities.
But next year can wait for a few more days. Now is a time for family, love and reflection as we gather for Christmas while the world stops turning – for a few hours at least. It is a period that holds all time together. It is an occasion where we stand heart to heart and hand in hand. As we spend joyous and precious time with our family and friends, we call to mind members and non-members remember who have completed their last deployment. We share gifts of peace and joy. We share love, light and laughter with our families.
Enjoy this festive time. Recharge the batteries and use the opportunity that this magical time affords and in the coming year ahead to ring someone lonely, call on someone new and perhaps make friends.
I have always believed that saying “thank you” is of prime importance. So in tandem with our Chairman, Nigel Carpenter, I would wish to thank you all for your ongoing commitment to the success of our Association and for your continued and dedicated support.
My heartfelt wishes to you and your loved ones for a Blessed, Joyful Christmas and a peaceful 2025; a year which will hopefully bring you and yours Health, Happiness and Prosperity.
Warmly,
David S C Lodrick
David S C Lodrick MBE
President
Regulating Branch and Royal Navy Police Association