Growth of the Navy

The Navy grew considerably during the global struggle with France that started in 1690 and culminated in the Napoleonic Wars, a time when the practice of fighting under sail was developed to its highest point.

Royal Navy jobsThe ensuing century of general peace saw considerable technological development, with sail yielding to steam and cannon supplanted by large shell-firing guns, and ending with the race to construct bigger and better battleships.

That race, however, was ultimately a dead end, as aircraft carriers and submarines came to the fore and, after the successes of World War II, the Royal Navy yielded its formerly-preeminent place to the United States Navy. The Royal Navy has remained one of the world's most capable navies, however, and currently operates a large fleet of modern ships.

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HOW TO JOIN. If you've decided that you're interested in a Royal Navy career, it's time to begin the formal recruitment process. There are two ways to discover the right job for you. You can explore RN jobs by FLEET, BRANCH, JOB TYPE or NAVAL SERVICE

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The Royal Navy of the 18th century is depicted in a novel and several films dramatizing the voyage and mutiny on the Bounty. The Royal Navy's Napoleonic campaigns are a popular subject of historical novels. Some of the best-known include Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series, C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower chronicles, Showell Styles' The Midshipman Quinn stories, Dudley Pope's Lord Ramage novels and Douglas Reeman's Richard Bolitho novels. Alexander Kent is a pen name of Douglas Reeman who, under his birth name, has written many novels featuring the Royal Navy in the two World Wars. Other well-known novels includeAlistair MacLean's HMS Ulysses, Nicholas Monsarrat's The Cruel Sea, and C.S. Forester's The Ship, all set during World War II. More information available from The Royalist.

The Navy can also be seen in numerous films. The fictional spy James Bond is 'officially' a commander in the Royal Navy. The Royal Navy is featured in The Spy Who Loved Me, where a missile submarine is stolen, and in Tomorrow Never Dies when a media baron sinks a Royal Navy warship in an attempt to trigger a war between the UK and People's Republic of China. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World was based on Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series. The Pirates of the Caribbean series of films also includes the Navy as the force pursuing the eponymous pirates. 

British Royal Navy

The Royal Navy was formally created as the national naval force of England in 1660, following the Restoration of King Charles II to the throne.

It became the naval force of the Kingdom of Great Britain after the Union between England and Scotland in 1707 which merged the English Navy with the (much smaller) Royal Scots Navy, though the two began operating together from the time of the Union of the Crowns.

English Navy

The English Navy had no defined moment of formation; it started out as a motley assortment of "King's ships" during the Middle Ages assembled only as needed and then dispersed, began to take shape as a standing navy during the 16th century, and became a regular establishment during the tumults of the 17th century.

 

Jobs in the Royal Navy

The RN jobs are unable to provide information on advice about choosing a Royal Navy or Royal Marines career. please see Careers Royal Navy

Individual careers can be found within the careers web pages. In addition, there is clear advice on the nationality and residency guidelines necessary to join the UK Armed Forces within the eligibility section.

All other enquiries must be directed towards the nearest Officer Career Liaison Centre or Armed Forces Careers Offices