Former Cowplain pupil now ready for a life in Royal Navy

A 25-year-old from Waterlooville has completed his transformation from a civilian into a Royal Navy sailor and is now one step closer to a career in the senior service.
Naval nurse Matthew Hyde 
Picture: Dave SherfieldNaval nurse Matthew Hyde 
Picture: Dave Sherfield
Naval nurse Matthew Hyde Picture: Dave Sherfield

Naval nurse Matthew Hyde arrived at HMS Raleigh, the Royal Navy’s training base in Cornwall last November.

During a 10-week course he was given a thorough induction into the Royal Navy, learning skills on which he will rely throughout his time in the job.

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The course culminated with the passing out parade attended by families and friends. 

The former Cowplain Community School pupil studied nursing at Bournemouth University.

Matthew was selected as the class leader during his training and his duties included taking charge of the class in the absence of their instructor.

He said: ‘I joined the Royal Navy to travel and for a range of opportunities, including further training.

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‘The course at Raleigh was intense to start with, but it gets easier to manage the time and the workload as the weeks go by.

‘The days are long, but the weeks seem very short. It is amazing how quickly strangers become a team and friends.’

With the first phase of his training complete Matthew will transfer to the Ministry of Defence hospital unit in Portsmouth.

The Royal Navy’s initial naval training course is underpinned by nine core maritime skills that are the foundations of naval life and underpin operational effectiveness.

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Recruits learn about navigation and are given the chance to take the helm of their own medium-sized inflatable boat during an orienteering exercise on the water.

Royal Navy personnel can also be called on to play a vital role in land-based operations.

This means recruits undergo training in basic combat skills, which includes survival in the field.

Fitness is a key component of the training and is delivered using a disciplined method of military fitness which focuses on developing co-ordination and individual physical strength and endurance.