Naval Officer Makes History By Passing Out Alone

A Naval officer has made history at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) by passing out on his own.

Sub Lieutenant Matthew Poxon was left "pretty disappointed" when he couldn't take part in his passing-out parade because he was self-isolating.

This quickly changed when his Commanding Officer, Captain Readwin, approached him about passing-out solo.

"It was quite daunting marching out onto the parade ground by myself, with the rest of the Cadets and staff watching from the ramps," said SLt Poxon.

"At least I couldn’t be out of step with the rest of my division.

"Apparently the First Sea Lord is aware of the story and said that I must buy all my entry a drink for having my picture published, I’ll certainly do that next time I see them.

"He also said that he would buy me a drink if he ever gets the chance and I’d be happy to buy him one in return."

In the parade which SLt Poxon missed due his self-isolating, more than 130 men and women from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary passed out of the college.

Under normal circumstances, passing-out parades are attended by family and friends, however due to the coronavirus outbreak the parade took place behind closed doors.

Captain Readwin, the Commanding Officer at BRNC, said that these circumstances by no means "undermines their great effort and determination".

"There is also an important lesson here for fellow Officer Cadets under training, in that good leadership is about looking after not only the team but also every single individual; congratulations to them all."

Cover image: Craig Keating/Royal Navy.