Britannia Royal Naval College, the initial officer training establishment of the Royal Navy, sits high on a hill overlooking Dartmouth in England. Royal Naval officer training has taken place in Dartmouth since 1863, but the buildings we see today were only finished in 1905, previous students lived in two wooden hulks moored in the River Dart. The foundation stone for the current building was laid down by King Edward V11 in March 1902. Sir Aston Webb designed the shore-based college at Dartmouth, which was built by Higgs and Hill and practically completed in 1905. The first term of cadets entered at the R.N. College Osborne were transferred to Dartmouth in September 1905.
King George V and King George V1 were naval cadets at Dartmouth, as were the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. It is said that the Duke of Edinburgh met the then Princess Elizabeth at Dartmouth. Prince William spent a brief period at the College after leaving Sandhurst as part of his training with all three of Britain’s Armed Forces. Sheikh Mubarak Ali Yousuf Suoud Al-Sabah, a member of the Royal Family of Kuwait, attended the Royal Navy Young Officer Course at Britannia Royal Naval College in 2002.
BRNC is widely considered one of the most prestigious officer training establishments in the world, their website says that they are
Delivering learning that is inspiring, challenging and relevant to meet Fleet operational capability. It has been at the forefront of the education and development of world-class Naval Officers in Dartmouth since 1863.
Fourteen years ago my son joined the Navy and since then he has risen the ranks as a submariner to Chief Petty Officer. On Thursday I went to see him ‘Pass out’ as Sub-Lieutenant at Dartmouth. A very proud day as you can imagine. Here is a slide show of the day.
Lucid Gypsy 
I sure do love a man in uniform. Your son is handsome and has an amazing family. Congrats to them and to MOM who started it all. ❤ ❤ ❤
Thanks Tess, he’s gorgeous isn’t he? I’m very proud of him 🙂
*nods*
❤ ❤ ❤
A very proud day indeed, my dear Gilly! Congratulations to your son and his family AND to his beautiful mom!!!! 🙂
Ahh thanks sweetie, it was quite a day 🙂
What a proud moment for you Gilly….and he does look good in that uniform 🙂
It was amazing Seonaid, thank you!
A very happy family. A lot to be proud of all round.
My paternal grandfather was a gunner with the Royal Navy. He deserted in 1908, jumping ship at New Zealand and making his way across to Australia. He did his training up at Queensferry, Scotland. 🙂
Oh my what a brave man, it takes courage to desert.
You must be SO so proud of him. What a fine man he must be! 🙂
He’s a lovely man and I’m very proud of him, thanks honey!
Congrats to your son, Gilly. What a happy day. Love his smiling face in the line 😄
Thank you, It was a really lovely day!
I share your pride Gilly! My late husband, our eldest son ,and our daughter were all active members of the RAAF.
Ahh thanks Maureen, you know how I feel then 🙂
What a wonderful pride filled day, Gilly. How lovely for you. Thanks for sharing a very special occasion.
It was incredible Myfanwy, thank you 🙂
Wonderful slide show, Gilly, and what a handsome man your son is. You must be so proud of him. 🙂 Great photo of you and your lovely family. Your grandson looks so cute in daddy’s hat.
Thanks honey, I’m very proud of him and all my family 🙂
Brilliant! I have a friend who lives in the shadows & looks up to that wonderful building. You must have been such a proud mum!!
Yes it was really very special, thanks Julia!
You must have been bursting with pride, Gilly 🙂 And I love the look of that next generation!
Hahaha he’s a terrible two at the mo but absolutely gorgeous!
Lots of rich naval tradition there, Gilly. Congratulations your son’s achievement. May the salt in the veins continue on down the family line.
Thanks Liz, it was wonderful!
Their uniforms looks so so cool. They look very sharp. It’s the Royal Marines that I had the pleasure of spending time and having drinks with every weekend for 6 months. They’re fun. We even get to experience their training on a ship. So cool.
A couple of years ago I got to go on my sons submarine – incredible, those guys are tough stuff!
Congratulations to you and your son. He is truly an officer and a gentleman. He is also a hero as well as all who serve to protect our country and the freedom we enjoy today. All the best of blessings to him on his journey to so many great things.
Thank you so much IT, you’re very kind!
What a special day for you all Gilly!! Many congratulations to you and your son! 🙂
Thanks Madhu, it was a brilliant day 🙂
Congratulations, you proud mum 🙂
I am indeed Celestine, thank you 🙂