The National President of the Royal Naval Association, Vice Admiral John McAnally CB LVO, recently graced the shores of Cyprus to carry out the Commissioning Ceremony of the Eastern Cyprus Branch. During his three day visit, the President also paid a visit to the Cyprus Branch at the western end of the island.
The Commissioning of the Eastern Cyprus Branch took place at the Dhekelia Officer's Club in the presence of the Commander British Forces Cyprus, Air Vice Marshal Richard Lacey, the Commanding Officer of the Cyprus Squadron, Lt Cdr Alex Bush, serving RN personnel from Ayios Nikolaos, representatives of other Service Associations, Honoured Guests and Shipmates from both Branches.
In his address the President underlined the Aims and Objectives of the Association which are “Unity, Loyalty, Patriotism and Comradeship”. He expressed how honoured he was to be invited and that he appreciated how important and essential the work is in supporting ex-service personnel, this was echoed by the Commander British Forces in his address.
Shipmate Peter Hill was elected as the first Chairman of the Eastern Cyprus Branch and he called upon Vice Admiral McAnally to speak the final words of the ceremony
“SPLICE THE MAINBRACE”.
