In a special moment of naval history coming full circle, Captain Malcolm Farrow OBE RN (Ret’d) has now officially "passed out" of Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) Dartmouth – standing proudly alongside Midshipman Charles Murphy, the grandson of his best friend.
Captain Farrow, who originally joined BRNC in September 1962, followed a unique career path which meant he never formally passed out of the college. Initially training as an engineer, he transferred to the seaman branch after a year at RNEC Manadon, going on to serve 39 years in uniform, reaching the rank of Captain without ever returning to march on the parade ground.
However, this chapter has now been completed in lovely way as he shared the moment with Charles Murphy, who passed out as a Midshipman, Captain Farrow served closely with Commander Charles Roe, Charles' Grandfather, who died suddenly over 30 years ago.
Murphy and Farrow stood together at the passing-out parade, representing three generations of naval service and enduring friendship.
Malcolm’s Daughter Alice, Charles Murphy’s Godmother, has carried on the Naval tradition, working for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, which supports BRNC Dartmouth in many different ways.
Speaking on the occasion, Captain Andrew Bray, Captain BRNC Dartmouth, said:
It is lovely to see such a deeply personal connection between past and present at BRNC, and this moment truly embodies the Royal Navy’s enduring spirit. Captain Farrow’s career, despite its unconventional start, is a testament to the character and resilience we foster here at Dartmouth. To see him here today, sharing this milestone with Midshipman Murphy, is a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite us across generations of service.
Captain Farrow commented: "To be invited back to the parade ground at BRNC after 63 years is a huge honour and privilege - and a lot of fun. Joining in 1962 and leaving in 1996, I was a 1* Civil Servant in the Cabinet Office for a short while before being promoted in retirement and re-joined the Navy in 1999, leaving again in 2001, but re-joined once more in 2003 to leave finally in 2005, so I guess it is about time I passed out or I may have to join up for a fourth time.
Midshipman Murphy said: “The highlight of training was finding out our whole division had passed their final maritime exercise; it was a huge milestone.” Midshipman Murphy, passing out as an Air Engineering Officer will continue his training in Portsmouth, where he will board a P2000, an Archer-class patrol vessel, accompanying the ship on Baltic operations.
Captain Farrow’s journey may have been unconventional, but his dedication and legacy are undeniable. This passing-out parade marks not just an official moment for Midshipman Murphy, but a symbolic completion of Captain Farrow’s naval journey—proof that some traditions, no matter how long delayed, always find a way to be fulfilled.
