HONORARY CAPTAINS
Honorary Captains In August’s Navy Today our story on the late Honorary Captain Andrew Leachman prompted a question: what are Honorary Captains? Rear Admiral Fred Wilson (retired), the former Chief of Naval Staff who revived the practice, explains what it entails. The first Honorary Captain in the RNZN was created at the start of World War II, when an Honorary Mercantile Marine Liaison Officer was appointed to coordinate wartime procedures with the Naval Board. Honorary appointments were later expanded to include personnel appointed as Examination Officers at main ports. Harbourmasters from the four main ports were introduced in 1968, but the relationship was little more than respectful acknowledgement of their role. When I was leading the Anzac Ship Project in the late 1980s, I saw the opportunity to forge an effective link between the Navy and the community, with honorary appointments being the catalyst. Interacting with NZ industry and local and regional business and community groups on that project alerted me to both the lack of awareness in many quarters
of what the Navy did and, somewhat quixotically, the number of individuals who were championing the Navy in their own quiet way without recognition. With encouragement and appreciation, I felt sure they could be even stronger advocates and informants. Importantly, they could also serve as inspirational achievers for young officers and ratings. When I was fortunate enough to become Chief of Naval Staff, I had the opportunity to resurrect the award of honorary ranks. After all, I reasoned, what was the point of all that power if I couldn’t abuse it? Because of the natural civilian association with the rank, captains seemed the appropriate vehicle to achieve easy recognition. The purpose was quite straightforward. It was simply to recognise individuals in the political, commercial or academic fields who had a specific relationship or affinity with the RNZN, or otherwise had provided exceptional support or model behaviour in some way. The award was recognised by the presentation of an officer’s cap, so the recipient could display a symbol of their affiliation. I was told later by many receivers that that cap was one of their most treasured possessions because of its simple yet powerful demonstration of appreciation. The list of those who have been made Honorary Captains is remarkable for the prevalence of the humble and the truly admired. It is enduring for its diversity and universality. It is respected because everyone on it, through their association, has helped make the RNZN a better service, by example or deed. He heramana katoa ratou. They are all sailors. In upcoming issues of Navy Today our Honorary Captains will be profiled.
Navy Today #247 | 31
