The Writer Branch was formed in the Royal Navy in 1867 at which time direct entry into the branch was implemented with the status of Chief Petty Officer and messing with the Master-at-Arms. The Naval Writers' Club and Benevolent Association were founded on 5th December 1887.

Branches were formed at the three main ports of Portsmouth, Devonport and Chatham. The Association is "unofficial" but believed to be the oldest in existence within the Royal Navy and indeed any of the Armed Services in the World thereby making the RNWA the World's oldest military association .