'An inherent calling' - Boston teen realises lifelong dream of joining Royal Navy
A Boston-born teenager has realised his lifelong dream of joining the Royal Navy, describing his pursuit of a career in the force as ‘an inherent calling’.
Joshua Walker recently completed his Royal Navy basic training at HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall, aged just 16 years and two months old.
The former Swineshead CofE Primary School pupil is now stationed in Portsmouth, where he has started his Weapons Engineering Specialist Training ahead of joining the Navy’s surface fleet.
From an early age, Joshua has been community-minded, progressing through the Beavers, Cub and Sea Scouts, before joining Boston Sea Cadets TS Cottesmore at the age of 10.
As a member of the Sea Cadets, he took part in a wide range of activities, including: going offshore on training vessels TS John Jerwood and tall ship TS Royalist, parading in Trafalgar Square, and marching down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace for Trafalgar Day.
After finishing his GCSEs at Boston Grammar School in June, Josh travelled to Cardiff to complete his Candidate Preparation Course, officially joining the Royal Navy in July.
He successfully passed his Part One training and, last month, took part in a passing out parade in Plymouth.
In joining the Royal Navy, he follows in the footsteps of his parents, Stewart and Eve Walker.
Joshua said: “So far, being in the Royal Navy has exceeded my expectations in every way. The initial naval training was a diverse experience, oscillating between intense physical challenges and moments of camaraderie.”
Among these physical challenges, he said, was a 25km hike with 30kg rucksacks at Dartmoor.
“The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the passing out parade, where all the hard work and emotion culminated in a single day that will be forever etched in the memories of everyone in the navy and other forces,” he said.
On what attracted him to a career in the Royal Navy, he said: “Growing up in a naval military family had a profound impact on my life. Participating in cadets and attending open days on bases and ships during my childhood sparked a deep desire to pursue a career in this field. From a young age, I felt an inherent calling to this profession, and it was more than just a job or apprenticeship to me.”
Eve said: “We are incredibly proud of Josh – not only for what he’s achieved, but for the example he sets to other young people. He’s shown that with focus and determination, dreams really can come true.”