Submariners Association
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| Submariners Association | |
|---|---|
| Name | Submariners Association |
| Formation | 20th century |
| Type | Veterans' association |
| Headquarters | Port city |
| Region served | International |
| Membership | Submariners |
Submariners Association The Submariners Association is an organization for former and serving submarine personnel that fosters camaraderie, preserves naval tradition, and advocates for veterans' welfare. It connects members across ports such as Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia, Pearl Harbor, Gibraltar, and Plymouth, Devon while engaging with institutions like the Royal Navy, United States Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, and Canadian Forces.
History
The association traces roots to post‑World War I and post‑World War II efforts alongside entities such as the Royal Naval Submarine Service, the Submarine Force (United States Navy), the Kriegsmarine's historical legacy, and veterans' groups from the Spanish Civil War and Korean War. Early formation was influenced by veterans' networks around memorials like the Chatham Dockyard tributes and initiatives linked to the Royal British Legion, the United States Submarine Veterans Inc., and regional clubs in Lisbon, Singapore, and Hamburg. During the Cold War, liaison with organizations associated with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Warsaw Pact's aftermath, and commemorations of actions such as the Battle of the Atlantic, the Battle of Midway, and operations in the Falklands War shaped policy and membership. The association's archival activity has engaged museums like the Imperial War Museum, the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and the Australian War Memorial.
Membership and Organization
Membership includes former officers and enlisted submariners from services such as the Royal Navy Submarine Service, Submarine Force (United States Navy), French Navy (Marine Nationale), German Navy (Deutsche Marine), Italian Navy (Marina Militare), and regional forces including the Brazilian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, and South African Navy. Governance often mirrors structures used by organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Royal Naval Association, with elected committees, a national council, and branch secretaries stationed in harbors such as Chatham, Rosyth, Subic Bay, and Sasebo. Affiliation agreements have been signed with groups including the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, NATO veterans' networks, and municipal authorities in port cities like Belfast and Charleston, South Carolina.
Activities and Events
The association organizes remembrance ceremonies at memorials including the Unknown Soldier (United Kingdom), the HMS Royal Oak monument, and regional plaques in Valparaiso and Alexandria. Annual observances parallel events such as Remembrance Day (United Kingdom), Anzac Day, Veterans Day (United States), and Armistice Day gatherings. It hosts talks featuring historians from institutions like the National Maritime Museum, authors of works on the U‑boat Campaign (World War II), and lecturers who have researched the Tonkin Bay incident and Operation Barents. Social activities include reunions modeled on practices from the Royal Yacht Squadron and joint commemorations with organizations such as the Submarine Veterans of World War II (Australia) and the Veterans' Affairs (United States Department of Veterans Affairs).
Chapters and International Presence
Chapters exist in maritime centers including London, Edinburgh, Sydney, Perth, Western Australia, Vancouver, San Diego, Gdynia, Rotterdam, Gothenburg, and Auckland. International reach connects ex‑servicemen from fleets like the Soviet Navy, the People's Liberation Army Navy, the Hellenic Navy, and the Royal Netherlands Navy through regional branches in ports such as Murmansk, Hong Kong, Piraeus, and Rotterdam. Cooperative events have been held with cultural institutions like the Smithsonian Institution, the Louvre's naval exhibitions, and municipal festivals in Lisbon and Valencia.
Benefits and Services
Services offered mirror those provided by advocacy groups such as the Royal British Legion and the Department of Veterans Affairs (United States), including welfare support, pension advice, and transition assistance for personnel leaving the Submarine Force (United States Navy), Royal Navy Submarine Service, or comparable units. The association provides access to professional networks resembling those of the Navy League of the United States, legal clinics with ties to bar associations in Liverpool and Boston, Massachusetts, and educational grants in partnership with universities like University of Portsmouth, University of St Andrews, and Australian National University. Health and rehabilitation referrals are coordinated with providers linked to the Veterans Health Administration, the NHS, and national veteran care bodies in Canada and New Zealand.
Notable Members and Leadership
Notable members and leaders have included decorated submariners and public figures who served in submarine forces alongside associations with figures from the Battle of the Atlantic, the Dunkirk evacuation, and the Pacific War. Past presidents and chairs often possess service records that intersect with honors such as the Victoria Cross, the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Order, and the Navy Cross, and have collaborated with officials from the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), the United States Department of Defense, and allied defence ministries. Honorary patrons have included senior naval officers from the Royal Navy, admirals from the United States Navy, and veterans who later served in parliaments such as the House of Commons (United Kingdom), the United States Senate, and the Parliament of Australia.