Passing on the Baton

A Royal Navy veteran from Plymouth, with 33 years of Service experience, has been appointed the lead mentor at HMS Raleigh.

Former Chief Petty Officer (Medical Assistant) Les Yeoman is one of 21 Royal Naval Association (RNA) mentors at the training base in Torpoint. He has now taken on the role as the RNA co-ordinator.

As volunteers, the mentors work alongside the instructors to help and guide the recruits as they make the transition from civilians to military personnel.

Les left the Royal Navy in 2000 but continued serving with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary until 2010. He became a mentor in 2015. Les is assigned to Nelson Division and makes regular visits to his class during their 10 weeks training. He uses his skills as a Mountain Leader during the exercises on Dartmoor and at Pier Cellars, on the Rame Peninsular, to assist the staff in teaching map and compass work.

The 69-year-old, who originally hails from Grimsby, said:

“Currently there are four ladies and 17 gentlemen, from various branches of the RNA, and we are hoping to attract more ex-Servicemen and women to join us. Meeting new recruits on day one and seeing them smartly turned out at the passing-out-parade in week 10 is very rewarding, having been allowed the privilege of imparting our experience and knowledge. This includes our involvement in adventurous training and sporting activities at the highest levels and, of course, a considerable amount of ‘dits’ and sea-stories.”

Mentors were introduced at HMS Raleigh in 2008. Captain Richard Harris, the Commanding

Officer of the establishment, said:

“The mentors play a key role in helping us instil the Royal Navy’s ethos and core values of commitment, courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity and loyalty, into the recruits. They also give the recruits a better understanding of the commitment required of Service personnel. Their involvement in initial naval training is hugely appreciated by both our recruits and the staff.”

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should contact Les on 07795231397 or email: lesyeo3@ gmail.com