Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, humorously named "The Wavy Navy", was created, in 1903, during the period of expansion of the Royal Navy when it became clear the Royal Navy Reserve (RNR) could not supply the required number of trained men. A scheme was introduced that allowed men in civilian shore jobs (unconnected with the sea) to train on a part-time basis at special shore establishments, and provided the valuable experience of real time with the fleet for a few weeks a year once a certain level of competence had been achieved.
The RNVR was organised in 'Divisions' whose names were taken from the place where the main centre was situated. London, Edinburgh and most large seaports had such divisions. Each division was commanded by a Captain.