Captain Patrick Walker CBE Royal Navy – Club Patron 2015 – 2023

Patrick joined BRNC Dartmouth as a Cadet in September 1967. After his Midshipman’s year, split between the Fishery Protection minesweeper HMS LETTERSTON, and the Commando Carrier HMS BULWARK, a further year at Dartmouth and Sub Lieutenant’s courses followed.

Thereafter he volunteered for submarine training and subsequently served in HM Ships PORPOISE, RORQUAL, CHURCHILL and ORACLE before completing the “Perisher” course in 1979. Over the following years, he filled command appointments as CO of HMS OTTER, XO of HMS SCEPTRE, CO HMS TRAFALGAR AND CO HMS RESOLUTION (stbd) as well as shore appointments at Northwood, Portland and Whitehall.

Promoted Captain in 1993, he undertook four more appointments culminating in Captain Faslane Flotilla from where he retired in early 2004.

He was made a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List of that year.

On retirement he became the Bursar at Queenswood, the girls’ boarding and day school in Hertfordshire, before accepting a training role within AGBIS (Association of Governing Bodies in Independent Schools) 2012-2014.

He lives in North Yorkshire with his wife Elizabeth, and is a Vice Patron the Battle of the Atlantic Memorial project. He is the Grandson of Captain Frederic “Johnnie” Walker, WWII famed anti-submarine warfare commander.

He took over as Patron of the Sea Urchins from Admiral Sir John Kerr in 2015.

Captain Walker indicated that he wished to stand down at the 2023 AGM. During his tenure Patrick has always shown a keen interest in our
activities and has been a longstanding and staunch supporter of the Sea Urchins. The Club thanked him for his sterling service and took the opportunity to present him with a commemorative plaque at our February lunch. As an Honorary member we look forward to his continued membership and participating in our activities when time and other commitments allow.