HMS Royal Arthur (shore establishment)

HMS Royal Arthur was a shore establishment of the Royal Navy, initially at Ingoldmells near Skegness (53.17762°N, 0.35053°W), and later at Corsham, Wiltshire (51.41347°N, -2.21499°W).

Skegness
The first Royal Arthur was previously a Butlins holiday camp and was commissioned as a training establishment on 22 September 1939. It served during the Second World War, becoming the central reception depot for new naval entries after HMS Raleigh was transferred to the Army in February 1944. Royal Arthur continued in service until being paid off in 1946.

Corsham
The establishment was recommissioned on 2 January 1947 in Westwells Road, Corsham as a leadership training establishment, and one of several assessment camps where new recruits were assessed, kitted out and sent to their various depots. Its most notable trainee was the then Philip Mountbatten, shortly before his wedding to Princess Elizabeth.

The last recruits arrived on 31 October 1949 and on 15 March 1950 it ceased to be used for training National Service inductees and concentrated on leadership training of Petty Officers at the instigation of Lord Louis Mountbatten. The name was then transferred to the recently paid off Camp Kingsmoor on 16 March 1950. The camp continued in service until the last trainees left on 11 December 1992 and personnel finally left on 5 March 1993.

The site has suffered heavy vandalism since its abandonment, although there have been proposals for redevelopment as a retirement village. Plans to redevelop or demolish the site have been hampered by the presence of asbestos.