Royal Navy: Brothers join their cousin, uncle AND dad for a life in the Senior Service

Brothers Max and Oskar Wharrie, 19 and 17, have just arrived at HMS Collingwood in Fareham to begin their six-month underwater warfare training course.

And as the proud siblings stepped through the gates at Collingwood, they were greeted by their cousin Jacob Wharrie – who had just graduated from his weapon engineering course at the Fareham naval base.

Despite their cousin now heading off to his new role, the pair of brothers will still have plenty of support settling into naval life – with Max and Oskar’s father is currently serving as a Chief Petty Officer submariner and their uncle is a Lieutenant Commander.

Speaking as they began their course, Max said: ‘It’s good having my brother here as it’s someone extra to know and it means I have my family just round the corner if I need help.’

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The brothers both began their initial naval training course in October at HMS Raleigh.

Oskar was the first brother to start the recruitment process, while Max decided to join the Senior Service once he had finished college.

Max said he had been inspired by his dad to sign up to a life at sea.

‘When I finished college, I thought I’d like to join the Royal Navy the same as Oskar and I applied the week after him,’ he added. ‘My dad told me how he had traveled the world, which is what I want to do. He also said how enjoyable his time in the Royal Navy was.’

Oskar added it had been a surprise that he was able to train with his brother on the same course.

‘Originally we didn’t think that we’d be here together, but then Max rang me up and said that we were coming on the same day,’ he said. ‘It’s been great to see a familiar face here and have my brother to help me out with things if I was struggling.’

The brothers will be based at HMS Collingwood until completion of their six-month course, giving plenty of time for them to indulge their hobbies of football, boxing and mixed martial arts.

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