Downloading Royal Merchant: A Legacy of Service and Charity

For over two centuries, the Royal Merchant Navy Education Foundation (RMNEF) has been dedicated to providing educational support to children of people who have served or are serving in the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleet, or RNLI. The charity was originally established as the Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum in 1827 and later became known as the Royal Merchant Navy School at Bearwood, near Reading.

Charles Heron-Watson, a retired Commander of the Royal Navy, had a long and distinguished career that spanned over three decades. He joined the Royal Navy in 1962 and rose through the ranks, becoming a Sub Lieutenant in September 1964. His naval career was marked by service on a succession of survey ships, including HMS Hecla, Fawn, Fox, Egeria, Hecate, Dryad, and Hydra.

After retiring from the Royal Navy in the early 1990s, Charles went on to work in the charity sector, eventually becoming the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the RMNEF in 2006. During his tenure at the RMNEF, Charles was instrumental in shaping the organization's mission and vision, ensuring that it continued to provide vital educational support to the children of seafarers.

Charles's legacy extends beyond his work with the RMNEF. He was a dedicated family man and is survived by his widow Elizabeth, two daughters, and four grandchildren. His love for cricket was also well-known, and he was an accomplished batsman who played for the 1st XI at BRNC Dartmouth in the early 1960s.

Despite struggling with his batting technique, Charles showed flashes of brilliance on the pitch, scoring 63 runs against The Admirals XI during one memorable match. His dedication to improving his game was evident, but he never quite overcame his tendency to play a defensive shot that left him vulnerable to dismissal.

Charles Heron-Watson's life was marked by a deep sense of service and duty, whether it be to his country through his naval career or to the charity sector through his work with the RMNEF. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of seafarers and their families, ensuring that the Royal Merchant Navy Education Foundation remains a vital source of support for years to come.