History is made as Royal Navy Officer goes solo on parade after missing his passing-out due to self-isolation
A Naval Officer has made history at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth after he missed his passing-out ceremony due to self-isolating.
Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Matthew Poxon was given a separate parade where he passed out completely on his own - something which has never happened at BRNC.
The ceremony marks the completion of training and is the biggest military parade outside the Trooping of the Colour.
The rest of SLt Poxon's entry had their passing-out-parade at the 157-year-old college on 2 April 2020. Due to current restrictions under lockdown, families and friends were not invited.
The 29-year-old said he was initially 'disappointed' not to be with the rest of his entry, but was 'incredibly grateful' to be given his own parade.
In his unique parade, the 29-year-old was inspected by the Commanding Officer of BRNC, Captain Roger Readwin Royal Navy.
Keeping with tradition, he then marched up the steps from the parade ground and through the main college door.
SLt Poxon joined the Royal Navy originally as a Rating - ranked below a Petty Officer - in 2010.
He reached the rank of Petty Officer before being selected for promotion to the Officer Corps, and has served on the Type 45 destroyers, HMS Dauntless and HMS Diamond.
Some of those who passed out of the college earlier this month have been put on standby to join the Covid Support Force and help the local authorities and other government departments deal with the Coronavirus crisis.