About the Exeter Flotilla
The Exeter Flotilla is an association of serving and retired Commissioned Officers of all ranks and specialisations of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and their Reserves. The history of the Flotilla dates to before the Second World War.
Flotilla Patron is the Commander UK Strike Force.
Courtesy of the Commandant, the Flotilla meets monthly in the Officers' Mess at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone, Devon EX8 5AR.
A typical meeting commences at 1730 in the bar, followed by dinner at 1830, then a lecture at 1930. Lectures are usually on a naval or military subject given by a serving or retired senior officer, or perhaps a university lecturer, the
annual highlight being the Patron's lecture.
Other events include the Annual Dinner, at which the RM Band provides musical entertainment; the Corps of Drums perform 'Mess Beatings' before dinner and a string quartet plays light music during the meal. The guest of honour is usually a serving senior officer and, before the speech, the port is passed and the loyal toast is drunk in true naval tradition.
The annual Golf Match and Summer Dinner takes place at the East Devon Golf Club, Budleigh Salterton. An informal event, the dinner is enjoyed by golfers and non-golfers alike.
The annual Trafalgar Service at Exeter Cathedral is the Flotilla's flagship event. Attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, the High Sheriff of Devon, the Lord Mayor of Exeter, senior RN and RM officers, and contingents from BRNC Dartmouth, HMS Raleigh, and HMS Vivid. Music is usually provided by the Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines, Lympstone, and is followed by a Civic Reception in the Chapter House. The Flotilla is pleased to donate its share of the collection to the RN&RM Charity, raising £330 in 2023.
In 2019 Flotilla members had the opportunity to visit HMS Defender at Portsmouth and Lambeth Palace in London.
In 2022 three Flotilla members enjoyed a day at sea on the occasion of HMS Defender's Affiliates Day.
Membership, which stands at about 120 officers who live in Devon and Somerset, may be of interest and benefit to officers leaving the service and intending to work or live in the West Country. The annual membership fee is £25. Officers interested in membership should complete the Membership Application Form.
