Royal Naval Auxilliary Service

Formed in 1963. Amalgamation of the Royal Naval Mine Watching Service and the Admiralty Ferry Crewing Association

Formed because of perceived Nuclear threat to British Ports

‘Ashore’ section consisted of communications and plotting staff, later amalgamated into an ‘Operations’ section’ Ashore’ personnel manned the Port Headquarters(PHQ) which were positioned around the UK

‘Afloat’ section contained engineers, seamen and communications personnel, ‘Afloat’ personnel manned the Service’s dedicated ships

RNXS personnel were to be readily available to assist in the tasks of evacuating major ports and dispatching larger and faster merchant vessels overseas in case of an attack on the UK. Any remaining ships were to be dispersed to safe anchorages along the coasts or at nearby islands. Formation, planning and sailing of convoys were tasks undertaken in the PHQs by RNXS staff working within overall dedicated RNR control during exercises. The Communications personnel operated the Communications Centre connected via teleprinter and, latterly computer, to all UK MOD Communications Nodes and, unassisted, performed these tasks solely within the RNXS structure on behalf of the overall PHQ Command and Naval Officer In Command (NOIC)

Started off with small fleet of 45 ft to 61ft motor fishing vessels

These were replaced with 10 inshore minesweepers, then by 11 Fleet tenders and various small craft. In 1990 got 4 Archer class patrol vessels

Members undertook weekly classroom training, in their chosen departments, Engineering, Seamanship, Communications, and Operations. ashore and afloat, and worked towards qualifications, members also took part in extended formal training with the Navy^[4]

In 1990 had 3.200 personnel who were classified as Volunteer Reservists

Disbanded in 1994 was disbanded. 2,000 former members formed the MVS.

Most of the craft were returned to the Royal Navy