HMS Collingwood Officers' Association

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This Web Site aims to make it easier to find out about the Officers’ Association and what we’re doing, whether you’re a member or new to the site. Do have a look round!

We’re really happy to take feedback – so do let our Webmaster know if something’s not right or could be improved!

For all the latest on what’s going on in the Establishment, check out the Royal Navy’s website:
HMS Collingwood

  • Dinner to celebrate WE 80

    On the evening of Thursday 24th September, a dozen OA members sat down with Weapon Engineer Officers and Warrant Officers from across the Service to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the formation of the Weapon Engineer sub branch.

    The Weapon Engineer General Service (WEGS) Annual Dinner is held each year after the WEGS Conference, which aims to update members of the WE community on the latest issues surrounding their discipline.

    Guest of honour at the dinner was Rear Admiral Rachel Singleton MBE RN, Director Navy Digital and current head of the Engineering branch, who oversees programs such as ‘Trident Sprint’ to integrate un-crewed systems, cloud technology and secure communications into a unified digital fighting network.

    Before the dinner, at a ‘fireside chat’ for the veterans, Captain John Brennan, Capt E and Deputy Head of Branch, gave a very positive update on the state of personnel and training within the branch.

    An impressive Call to Dinner was performed by members of the HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band, who also accompanied the meal with a selection of light music.

    VIP Guest Speaker at the dinner was Dr Mark ‘Dicky’ Barton, Honorary Secretary of the Society of Nautical Research, the organisation that lobbied to save HMS Victory in 1922 and helped establish the National Maritime Museum. He spoke about the history of the Engineering branch, about the creation of engineer specialists through the ages, formed to deal with emerging technologies, and related these to the newly created Network Engineers. He also told the stories of a number of RN Engineer heroes over the last century.

    Overall, good food and good company made for an outstanding evening.

  • Trafalgar Ladies Night Bookings Now Open

    We’re delighted to advise that Bookings for our annual Trafalgar Ladies Night are now open!

    Cost £75 per member & first guest
    £80 for subsequent guests
    Note – could be reduced if numbers permit.

    18:00 for 19:00

    Carriages at 00:15

    Music by the Collingwood Volunteer Band Brass Quintet

    Sing-a-long Shanties from the Hayling Island ‘Force 10 Shanty Crew’

    Uniform Dress would be most welcome.
    Otherwise, DJ / Evening / Cocktail

    Please note that bookings close on Fri 2nd October.

    To book, simply complete the online Booking Form here (or select menu item What’s On/Online Booking for Trafalgar Night.

    Or if you’d rather, contact Martin Carr or Jim Palmer on social@hmscoa.org or webmaster@hmscos.org. They’ll also be happy to answer any questions you have.

  • OA/WARDROOM Social Events 2026

    Friday Fish & Chips

    Fish and Chip Fridays are back. Guests most welcome.

    • Fri 2nd Oct
    • Fri 27th Nov
    • Eat on a reserved OA table in the Main dining room from the standard daily menu. Cost for lunch is less than £5 per head depending on choice. Please let the Social Sec – social@hmscoa.org – know if you would like to attend. Please inform by the Monday of the relevant week with vehicle and attendee details. A function pass will be issued on the gate if needed. Please bring photo ID.

    Bar opens at 11:45, Lunch at 12:30

    Other Dates

    • Fri 23rd  Oct Trafalgar Night
    • Wed 11th Nov – Post Remembrance Service a sit down 2 course lunch in the Collingwood Room (depending on numbers)
    • Wed 16th Dec Provisional date for WR Xmas Lunch (tbc)
    Fish & Chip Lunch Gathering

  • OA Sword 2026

    Lt Cdr Daniel Crook with the OA Sword, with Captain Norman Hodgson, left, and Lt Cdr Doug Howe, right.

    On the 29th May this year, the OA Sword was presented at Ceremonial Divisions at HMS COLLINGWOOD by Admiral Sir Keith Blount, KCB, OBE, NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

    The OA Sword had previously belonged to Captain Norman Hodgson, who joined the RN in 1960 and served as a submariner, commanding HM Submarines Porpoise, Superb, Swiftsure and Courageous.

    Latterly, he commanded HMS Endurance and served as Deputy Chief Strategic Systems Executive (as Commodore) and as Director Naval Reserves before retiring in 1999.

    A summary of the citation can be found on Daniel’s OA Sword page.

    Many thanks to the HMS Collingwood public relations team and photographer Keith Woodland for use of the photos, which are Crown Copyright.

  • Remembrance Ceremony 2025

    Remembrance Parade, HMS Collingwood

    Tuesday 11th November was an overcast morning threatening rain at HMS COLLINGWOOD; nevertheless we were blessed with dry weather. Well over two hundred Officers, Staff, Trainees and Civilians mustered at 1030 at the Falklands Memorial for the Remembrance Day Parade, rather more we think than last year.

    An ecumenical service led by the Establishment Chaplain included prayers and a reflection, with the last post and the two minutes silence.

    A roll call of those in Naval Service who had died during the previous twelve months was read out and wreaths were laid by Captain Tim Davey on behalf of the Establishment and by Captain Jim Palmer on behalf of the Officers’ Association. A wreath was also laid on behalf of Cedar Court.

    Many thanks to the PR team at HMS Collingwood and the photographer, Keith Woodland, who have kindly allowed us to display the photographs, which remain Crown Copyright.

    We were delighted that almost 30 OA members with wives and guests chose to attend, retiring to the Wardroom on completion for an excellent informal lunch. Good times remembering our absent friends as well as meeting with those who are still around.

Joining

If you would like to know more about the Association, or would like to join, please contact our Membership and Social Secretary, Lt Cdr Martin Carr, Email: social@hmscoa.org.