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The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) played a pivotal role during World War II, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort. But the initials might mean nothing to some people in the 21^st century.

The RNVR was established in 1903 to supplement the Royal Navy with trained volunteers. By the time World War II erupted, the RNVR had grown into a formidable force, ready to support the Royal Navy in various capacities. The Admiralty recognised the need for additional manpower and created the Royal Naval Volunteer Supplementary Reserve (RNVSR) in the late 1930s, recruiting amateur yachtsmen and other civilians.

The RNVR plays a key role in my new book – For Those in Peril – which is published on August 1, 2025. Our hero in the story, Romulus Hutchinson is a young sub-lieutenant in the RNVR, getting to grips with life on a Royal Navy destroyer in the first months of the Second World War. He faces action everywhere from the Norwegian Campaign to the evacuation of Dunkirk.

In this blog, I’ve focused on seven key elements to understand about the RNVR and its role in the Second World War:

The “Wavy Navy”: The RNVR was nicknamed the “Wavy Navy” due to the distinctive wavy gold braid on their uniforms. RNVR servicemen provided vital convoy escorts during the Battle of the Atlantic, ensuring the safe passage of troops and supplies. By the end of World War II, RNVR officers outnumbered their regular Royal Navy counterparts by three to one.

Diverse Backgrounds: RNVR members came from various civilian professions, including teachers, doctors, and even actors. Some RNVR members were drawn from the Merchant Navy, bringing valuable seafaring experience to their roles. Women also served in the RNVR, particularly in administrative and support roles. The RNVR attracted volunteers not only from the UK but also from Commonwealth countries and other allied nations. These international volunteers brought diverse experiences and perspectives, enriching the RNVR’s capabilities and fostering a sense of global camaraderie.

Training: RNVR volunteers underwent rigorous training to prepare for their roles, often at HMS King Alfred, the main training establishment for RNVR officers at Hove in Sussex. In For Those In Peril, our central character Rom finds HMS King Alfred a challenging environment for his rapid training programme.

Fleet Air Arm Backbone: The RNVR became the backbone of the Fleet Air Arm, with many officers serving in the RNVR (Air) Branch. Sub-lieutenant Frank Dawson-Paul RNVR was the first naval ace of World War II and the highest-scoring naval pilot in the Battle of Britain. RNVR pilots, known as “catapilots,” flew Sea Hurricanes off merchant ships to defend North Atlantic convoys. The RNVR (Air) Branch was instrumental in key battles, including the Battle of Taranto and the sinking of the Bismarck.

Coastal Forces: RNVR personnel manned motor torpedo boats, motor gunboats, and other small craft, playing a crucial role in Coastal Forces operations. They were heavily involved in the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940, known as Operation Dynamo. Some RNVR members even participated in special operations, including raids on enemy-held territories.

Awards and Honours: Numerous RNVR members received awards and honours for their bravery and service, including the Distinguished Service Cross. RNVR members were known for their innovative approaches to problem-solving, often coming up with creative solutions in challenging situations. After the war, many RNVR members returned to their civilian careers, but their wartime experiences had a lasting impact on their lives. The sense of camaraderie among RNVR members was strong, with lifelong friendships formed during their service.

Legacy: The legacy of the RNVR continues to inspire future generations, with the Royal Naval Reserve carrying on the tradition of volunteer service. Despite their significant contributions, the RNVR’s role in World War II is often overlooked, and efforts are ongoing to ensure their legacy is remembered.

My naval thriller novel For Those In Peril – the opening of a five-book series – is out on August 1^st in both paperback and Kindle formats, order now. It tells the story of Romulus Hutchinson (Rom), a young RNVR officer, as he makes his way in the service, and his twin brother Remus Hutchinson (Remmie) who has joined the Merchant Navy. Read more about how the new novel came about.