Black Tot Day UK - 31st July 1970

[@richardmarahall8943]

In 1983 i was aboard HMS Fearless when we visited Tortolla in the british Virgin Islands which happens to be the home of " pussers rum". The company gave the ship a barrel of rum and we relived the grog experience. Unfortunately, in our mess of 9, only two of us liked rum and so we effectively had 4 1/2 grog rations each, but of course we had to show empty mugs before leaving that area. What a day..... i remember most of it😂😂

[@patavinity1262]

It's honestly so cool though that you were able to share the experience of your naval predecessors, even if the Navy itself and its ships are so vastly changed. The British sailors at Trafalgar had their tot before battle, and you did the same in the year of the Falklands War. Sounds like you were in no shape to engage the enemy after 4½ rations though!

[@andrewthomson]

Isn't Pussers Guyanese? That's what my bottle proudly displays

[@ryanh4775]

Most of it 😆

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@mevcarter6664]

@@patavinity1262 the Falklands war was in 1982. I know, I was there.

[@Pippins666]

Black tot day, I was a petty officer on HMS Minerva, engaged in the (supposed) Beira blockade in the Beira Straits. A rum fanny was ceremoniously buried in the flat calm but shark infested sea, with a volley of shots in farewell. I can confirm that both petty Officers and Chief Petty Officers *DID* receive their rum ration up until that sad day. - Half a gill of neat Pusser's rum, at 105 degrees proof - the equivalent of 4 1/2 standard English tots of whisky at 70 degrees proof in a pub in England (standard measure 1/6 of a gill). Up until the end of WW2 the strength was, I believe, 148 degrees proof, but reduced to 105 shortly thereafter.

[@markeustace199]

Had a grand uncle here in Ireland who was ex-RN then Irish Navy, he used to go on about the days when the RN had big friggin' guns to make the Frenchies nervous, the Italians wet their pants and the Germans worry - he got out during the 50's but still told me about black tot day as being the nadir of it all The old git was still making sailing boats until his 70's and thought nothing of sailing off to Ireland's Eye, Bull Island, the Saltee's Islands, the Isle of Man etc., when relatives asked him was this a good idea the old Bugger said "screw you, I was born free" - the old fecker dropped dead in an armchair after one last pub crawl 76!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@paulsillanpaa8268]

I’m not sure how widespread this was, but in the Canadian Armed Forces there was the tradition of ‘Mug Up’ where soldiers brought their mugs to the Quartermaster to receive a shot of rum. I only know this because, back in the 1980s, my Scout Leaders were all a bunch of aging Royal Canadian Engineers who decided to pass this tradition on to us Boy Scouts. Of course, in our case it was a mug of hot chocolate that we received, but we would pretend it was rum & stumble around like cartoon drunks afterwards!

[@grumpyoldveteran7286]

I joined the Royal Navy in 1963, became eligible for the tot in 1965 at the age of 20. I drew my tot as a junior rate and and a neat tot as a petty officer until 31st July 1970. You stated that senior rates lost the tot earlier, while I cannot argue with you about events prior to 1963 I do know that senior rates (petty officers and chief petty officers drew a neat tot during that period. I think that you may have confused senior rates with officers as regards losing the tot. I still enjoy the occasional tot of Pussers Rum!

[@barrytipton1179]

And woods

[@KeithWeller63]

do you think it was the rum that turned you racist ?

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@morgan97475]

Retired US Army here. Thanks for this fun & informative episode. Now I know where "grog" comes from. In the US Army, there's still a tradition of having a grog bowl at certain events, mainly at a Dining In. This is where the troopers of the unit, often battalion or brigade size, attend in full dress uniform & have dinner, listen to speeches, etc, etc.....Part of this includes filling a large bowl with several bottles of spirits, creating a heinous "grog" from which one must drink if cited for some sort of infraction. Now days, there is also a non-alcoholic "grog" bowl next to the real one. This is for the teetotalers.

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

😅😅😅😅😅hey Bubba did you know that more Americans have been killed BY Americans in AMERICA than ALL the Americans killed in ALL the foreign wars combined that Americans have fought in,mainly thanks to the second amendment 😵😵😵😵😵😵😵😵😵😵

[@jonthinks6238]

​@johnathandaviddunster38 Wrong Troll 🧌

[@jonthinks6238]

TY for your service, from another old veteran that drank from the grog.

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

@@jonthinks6238 not a troll at all , I moved to spain no mass gun ownership LESS than 300 SHOOTINGS a year, USA mass gun ownership 120,000 men women and children shot every year, Annie get your gun junkie....🌍🌎🌏🍊💩🤪

[@coling3957]

@@johnathandaviddunster38 more people were killed in American civil war than foreign wars, perhaps... you're talking complete nonsense about 2A .. and youre' "hey bubba" is insulting and ignorant .. Jo Jo

[@slowturtle6745]

Pulled the cork on a bottle of "Pussers Rum" last night. Some traditions never quit and although I'm 5 decades removed from Naval service the lure of Nelsons Blood still calls my name

[@adoreslaurel]

My cousin came ashore in '53 as a CPO Fleet Air Arm, he mentioned the rum ration and mentioned something also in Navy talk referred to as a "Pussers Duck" but I forget what it was.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@johnstirling6597]

The Royal New Zealand Navy was the last navy in the world to abolish the rum ration on the 28th of February 1990.

[@stephengibson100]

We went around the buoy at HMNZS PHILOMEL on that day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@garyarnold8288]

I enlisted in the US Navy in February 1970. I was lucky to get to Portsmuth and visit HMS Victory in 1975. Because of the weather, we were unable to make it back to the USS South Carolina and spent the night on the HMS Sheffield. Beer flowed at 2 Pence a can till Monty Python came on. After light out, the whisky (Scotch) came out. Best time ever...

[@javidjames3319]

I have heard the US ships are dry , is it the same for the airforce and army whilst on operational tours ?

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@Tripperchris]

Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@gumpyoldbugger6944]

The RCN did away with its daily rum ration in 1972, however the tradition of Splicing the Mainbrace is or at least was still observed for special occations, I was lucky to experience it twice during my time. The RNZN was the last of the Royal Navies to abolish the tradition in 1990. Makes me wonder how many RN sailors tried transferring over the RNZN just to keep their tots.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@tesserakt54]

On that fateful day my Dad was in the front room and the TV was on. The announcement came as part of the daily news. My Dad was ex-Fleet Air Arm Air Rigger (Leading Rate). His face was a picture. It was the closest he got to voting Labour in his life. Numerous proper 'sea stories' ensued, including the day he tried to slip away on leave to marry my Mum. He was on a 'stone frigate'. He was sure he hadn't breathed a word to a soul. Sailors are fearful gossips. He got sippers from every man jack in the barrack block. He doesn't remember how he made it to the bus and thence onto the train. He does, however, remember the thunderous reception he got from his bride-to-be and future mother-in-law.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@lesoneill4932]

Joined in 74 only got one Splice the maimbrace !!! In 6 years When escorting the Royal Yacht Britannia the Queen gave that order I was on HMS Fife at the time !!!

[@charleswhinney3008]

74 ? After the tot had been stopped in 1970

[@lesoneill4932]

@@charleswhinney3008 yes they could still splice the mainbrace on special occasions and I think especially when Her Majesty the Queen gave the order

[@edwardhuggins84]

​@@lesoneill4932I'm surprised that it wasn't mentioned

[@flyboymb]

​@@lesoneill4932 Who says the Crown can't buck Parliament?

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@mattheweagles5123]

My father in law remembered the day well. And while he did lament the loss of the rum he did acknowledge that there were a lot of accidents shortly after the ration was handed out

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@premikyam2726]

a fantastic episode, adding background context to your military videos. Father was ex-RN : Malta, Aden , Singapore... and in retirement a tot of Pussers Rum was still a daily ritual til the day he passed.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@bruce6334]

Great vid The RNZN stopped issuing rum on the 28th February 1990. I remember that day well

[@davidmatthews4294]

Me too. I was in New Zealand on an Australian submarine at the time and alongside in Whangerai. I was injured ashore and was transported to the naval hospital in HMNZS Philomel. I was in the ward when the final rum tot was issued. It was my first (Australia retired the rum tot many years earlier), and my last! Very memorable.

[@peterwilliams2152]

@@davidmatthews4294 The RAN swapped to a beer issue during the Great Depression.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@blackw4t8r]

Me too. Remember it well

[@jamesgarman4788]

I was in the US Navy and the only alcohol we got underway, was two cans of beer if we were out to sea for more than 90 days.

[@peterwilliams2152]

In the RAN, it was two cans, per man, per day, perhaps!

[@jamesgarman4788]

@@peterwilliams2152 I remember pulling into HMAS Stirling. We partied with you guys for 3 days! Love Australia!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@MartinJones-fk7mq]

Hi Chris, I was on the Falkland Islands over Christmas in 1984, as an Army chef working at Navy Point-opposite Port Stanley- and everyone there was issued a grog just before lunchtime!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@saltybuster946]

Splicing the mainbrace. The mainbrace was the largest rope on the ship, with the possible exception of the anchor cable. To splice it, or join two pieces together, was a very hard job. So an extra tot was issued. So, after a hard job, for a celebration or before going into action they would 'Splice the Mainbrace.

[@BrianTenBeers]

I think that Chris covered all of that in his video.

[@ashleyhoward8926]

Actually, I believe that traditionally, there are no ropes on a ship ( except in stores). They are sheets, halyards,cables, etc., all cut from a rope of 120 fathoms. Q. How long is a rope? A. 120 Fathoms.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@jamesbowler3654]

Back in the late 60s, I happily remembered the old lags would put a couple tots of rum in a half cut coconut filled with brown sugar put in a hot place for a couple of days! Wow! That took the top of your head off…

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@Antonnick]

Lovely picture @ about 9:30 of Fairey Gannets lined up on the carrier - not seen that before of one of my favourite aeroplanes. thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@alejandroarriagada3991]

I admire and enjoy your work, specially the way you narrate the history as a joyful grandfather to his descendants. The true way heritage should be passed over. Thank you very much and if it is in your heart, as a naval architect and a history fan, would love that video of naval phrases commonly used in normal language. Cheers, thanks and greetings from Chile.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video and your comments. Think I will have to add your request to my ever growing list .

[@stuartjones7903]

I joined 2 years after the grog tot was stopped but there are still people who could remember it .1200 gallons were found deep inside Gibraltar Rock when I was there once and in those straw baskets you see in one of those photos and I managed to get hold of one of the jars ,it cost £21 ,well over a month's wages and I paid £12 customs when I brought it home, and I stupidly gave it away to my locals' landlord who was an X PTI in the 50,s ,Yes you should do a whole blog or video on "Jack Speak " which is a very unique language and I very much doubt its even spoken now with today's navy which has been watered down even worse than the grog

[@adrianbanks2089]

I Had a TOT Today ! ( EX R.N OFFICER ) From a Sunny North Kent 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Good afternoon from a sunny Worcester. Thanks for watching.

[@DaveSCameron]

I’m more inclined towards a tot of crack but each to their own I say. 🌺

[@oldgitsknowstuff]

@adrianbanks2089 Would you like to rephrase that. ?

[@blackw4t8r]

We had rum issue in the RNZN until 1991. Oh and it's not splicing the main sail. It's called splice the main brace

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the correction and for watching my video.

[@ProfessorM-he9rl]

Thanks Chris, great post as always.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@zappababe8577]

When St Paul says in the Bible, "take a little wine for your stomach's sake" he meant that the wine should be mixed with water. This is because the alcohol in the wine would kill the germs and bugs in the water and so prevent stomach upsets - just like the Navy was doing, mixing rum with the water in order to prevent dysentery.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@QALibrary]

very well done Chris on passing the 150k subs

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@CynthiaCousens]

My closest and dear friends were Navy Corps Officers. George,Pauline & Gord, Opie. As a 12 Yrs Old Child, I stood before the very Lord Nelson's Marker below decks on HMS Victory. I felt things in my heart at that moment. I left UK in 1969 to rtn home, memories of Portsmouth, Isle Of Wight, docks,sounds ... and now, in my 72nd year, I finally learn how often familiar comments and lines were heard by boarding school kitchen staff (ex-RN people!) ;-) Thank you for your precise and detailed lesson. More respect for the past Admiral, who cared for his sailors. Rum,gold silver equally shared ! Powerful qualities in his leadership.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@davidberlanny3308]

Great story Chris. All the best!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@lynx141]

You sir are amazing. Just 21 seconds into this video and your enthusiasm was utterly contagious.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@as03uk]

Fascinating look at a subject I thought I knew about! Loved the linguistically heritage behind the phrases. New appreciation for lime

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@miketimmins1973]

I missed the tot by a few years but during my 25 years service I had spliced the mainbrace many times and shared the slops with the crusher who issued the tot. When my ship was in company with H.M.N.Z.S Canterbury we were often invited over at tot time and given a tot, we repaid the compliment by calling them around for entertainment in our messes. Good times . An excellent video of a sad day made more poignant by today being the anniversary of black tot day (31st of July).

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@chrisjones9089]

My father served on HMS Battler in WW2. He was an aircraft mechanic mending and maintaing Seafires i believe. I have some interesting pictures of "landing accidents"! At some point he was one of those men standing in line with the rum fanny. The trick i was told was to fill the fanny from the bottom of the barrel where the mix was rather stronger than at the top. My father also mentioned that when he was serving out the ration to his designated group he would be awarded "sippers" by each grateful recipient. His ration ended up being rather substantial! I believe he would then share his ration with a Marine based on the ship. Dad died 30 years ago but i remember well his rum stories.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@alainarchambault2331]

I can't imagine how small servings of even watered-down rum can serve to keep a crew hydrated. The one aspect I do understand is that water stored in those days did become stagnant. Also, in England, where stagnant water abounds, Ale was the substitute. On board ships though, watered down and served at specific times of the day must have been too limiting in keeping a crew properly hydrated.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@Huttworker]

I served in the RNZN in the seventies. Rum Issue was done about 1200 and needed to be consumed without too much delay if you wanted lunch. Rum was known as Pussers Squirt or just Squirt. It had a strong odour that could smelt down in the mess as the rum fanny taken to the quarterdeck.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@StuartArm-bi2cj]

I second a visit to Portsmouth! I grew up in Gosport across the harbor. The Victory’s masts were a constant sight across the harbor. Gosport has the national submarine museum where you can see the navy’s first submarine, which sank off the Isle of Wight. The museum is just a short ferry ride and walk from the Portsmouth navy base

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@sanjaymanohar9482]

Scintillating! Thank you for the excellent history and anecdotes in this video. I'm a big fan already. Looking forward to see many more.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@gregthompson3274]

Speaking of the Royal Navy,Captain Matthew Flinders RN, who gave Australia its name,was buried with full naval honours in Donington Lincolnshire,the place of his birth in July,his remains were lost to time till rediscovered in 2019 during excavations for the HS2 high speed rail line. If l did drink alcohol,l certainly would raise a toast of rum to this great British seafarer

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@grahamrock3942]

Chris, yet another most interesting History Lesson....I'm going to educate my Grandchildren to listen to your many, many reviews and informative oral 'missives'. Thank you, once again, for your valued revelations...Regards G.A.R.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@johnedreslin]

Loved this video. Thanks for posting.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@castlerock58]

Churchill said that naval tradition consisted of rum, the lash and buggery. Now just buggery is left.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@Racernumbersix]

LMFAO

[@bigdunc1313]

A LOT OF SEAMEN ON HMS BUGGERY

[@vorynrosethorn903]

Unfortunately they've let women join.

[@John-y5i3l]

Rum bum and baccy

[@kennethgarland4712]

A wonderful episode! Now can you do another one on pink gin, allegedly the drink of admirals (though there is a scene in the film 'The Cruel Sea', in which a mere Commander and a Lieutenant have a pink gin). I understand that the Angostura bitters necessary for the colour have something to do with maintaining health on board ship. As a Devonian, I am partial to the odd drop of Plymouth gin, when I can afford it, though Waitrose doesn't appear to sell the proper Navy Strength version! 😮

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@daveclean]

I had not been in the Mob very long but I was over 21 and not a lover of the tot, and I remember that I walked into my mess and all my messmates had the longest faces I had ever seen, since I could draw my ration but mainly gave it away. I happily said anyone want my tot? with that what seemed like hundreds of boots came my way and it was the fastest I had ever run in the navy.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@FranciscoPreira]

Great content indeed. Portuguese Navy's ships still carry boose aboard, it is more controled nowadays, but a sailor is sailor, everybody loves a pint after work. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@oldgitsknowstuff]

I only 'Splice the mainbrace' after the sun has 'passed over the yardarm'.

[@RogersRamblings]

Many people don't realise that yardarms are height adjustable.

[@EnfieldNo4]

Up spirits!

[@cmans79tr7]

​@@RogersRamblings- Adjustable for being noon "somewhere?"😂

[@RogersRamblings]

@@cmans79tr7 Nah, just lower it to deck level and "Up spirits". 🤣

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@Rodney-kv4kr]

Merchant navy here (61) we got a tot on some ships crossing the equator, on tankers after tank diving.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@willyspinney1959]

It’s “splicing the mainbrace” not splicing the main sail. My father told me that when his ship, HMS Royal Ulsterman, arrive back in dock from the raid on Dieppe, they were given an extra tot from a trestle table which was set up at the end of the jetty, and to get there, they walked along a long line of bodies covered with army blankets, which they knew were Canadian by their brown boots. My first ship was HMS Jupiter which was in the West Indies in July 1970 and was the last ship in the Royal Navy to receive the tot. That said, I was not sorry to see the tradition abolished because the navy was effectively cultivating alcoholics and all of the resulting social problems that ensued for the sufferer and his family. And then there was the deaths from over drinking and the accidents due to sailors drinking during working hours.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@ronbdallas]

Great episode!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@ropeburnsrussell]

A naval phrase episode would be fun.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Might just do that. Thanks for watching my video.

[@fellspoint9364]

Thanks for an enjoyable but ultimately sad romp through naval history. I’ll buy a bottle to ease the pain.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@GrantYearbury-bo6dn]

Served in the New Zealand navy and we lost the Dailey rum issue on the 28th of February 1990 it was a black day (I still have the commemorative shirt from that day

[@TheHistoryChap]

Yes, I knew they were later but didn't realise that it was 1990.

[@sailordude2094]

Thanks, that's some very interesting history, cheers! We got two cans of beer after our USN ship was at sea without a port visit for I believe 45 days. My picture was taken, I still have it, all smiles. I bought others beers and had a nice picnic on the fantail! I think we did that twice while I was on it, 1980s Pacific. I doubt they still do that now.

[@DaveSCameron]

Our Royal Navy needed the Tot after months of seafaring and no ladies, nowadays they come with us so jk the Rum ,Sodomy and the Lash. 📚📚🇬🇧

[@pauloneil8531]

I talked to sailors in the late 2000s who said they still got the beer but the time at sea was 60 days.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@williampage622]

During WW2 my father served in the US Navy, his first combat sailing was on the HMS Tracker, a lend lease aircraft carrier, to train the British Navy sailors on carrier operations. As a US sailor he received an uncut full rum ration. He did not drink alcohol so he had great trading material.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@davey1602]

It didn't stop merchant seamen though. Many cooks on cruise ships were drunk in the morning when preparing breakfast. Probably still are to this day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@charleswhinney3008]

The Senior Rates CPO and PO received their tot neat. Junior Rates tot was watered down 2 water to 1 rum. The water prevented them from saving it up.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@kkupsky6321]

I hope the history chapter is plied well with rum for his great work and awesome presentation. And he barely slurs. Please make a video of all the naval sayings. I spent time on the New Jersey and I was wasted. Cannibis and vodka tho. And mushrooms. Great time...

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@doctorsam1953]

Really enjoyed this video. My brother was serving as a 17 year old on HMS Achilles but was given permission by the captain to have a tot on Black Tot Day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@ATtravel666]

My grandfather was a British WWII submariner, and he told of the tricks involved with the crew getting extra rum. The rum on the boat was kept in a secure locker with the key held by the captain. A crewman who ask the captain for the rum locker because a bottle had become lose and was making a lot of noise. The key obtained, a bottle of rum would disappear.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

When I lived in NZ 20 years ago people still referred to tea breaks as "Smoko", an old naval term.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@kirkmanning6232]

I have an original rum keg from my uncle’s RCN ship in WW2. He was the cook, helped himself!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@davidwoods7720]

The saddest day of my Royal Naval service

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@stevegrace2134]

I Joined the Royal Navy in 1974. And on board HMS Ark Royal we were allocated 3 cans of beer per day, however during the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977 we were issued a tot of rum plus 3 tins of beer. A very happy sailor who slept through the night.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@johnsaxelby]

In Gibralter in the early 70,s you could get a bottle of navy rum for 50p a bottle at a little shop at the bottom of main street , my untit also dished out rum on xmas day ans when it was really cold in the field

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@albbu8]

In late 70s there was a guy on an old mtb who had the residue of pussers rum for sale about 10gbp a keg or gallon in the wicker flasks. We called in and the cpos mess bought ten kegs for our deployment to the gulf. I was running the bar st the time and to recoup the outlay we sold it on the optic and called it orange squash in the bar books. Had to take them up to the capt and he commented that it wzs the good the lads were drinking plenty of goffas as we were in med then. I of course said yes sir got to keep their spirits up sir. Gfet day trouble is by the time we got to the red sea zll the goffas were gone. Happy days!!

[@steamboatmodel]

The Canadian Navy waited until 1972 to stop the tot, I never served in the Armed Forces but did receive a tot of Rum from both of her Majesties as a guest on HMS Belfast and HHCS Ottawa.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@michaelnorman4685]

Fascinating stuff again Chris. Picked up loads of trivia from this episode, I will be looking for opportunities to show off with haste.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@youtubecensors5419]

Watching this, I was reminded that a friend of mine (we're both American) told me she had an ancestor that invented grog. This was years ago when we first met, and I'd forgotten it until now. Her surname is Vernon, so it checks out. I'll have to send her this video!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@ingvaldtangen8269]

Some of the trawlers fishing up North still kept up the tradition well into the 70’s. Did inspect one factory trawler, and was told by the captain to join the line :) I agree with what was said about the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It’s worth a visit. And if some of your company is not interested in Naval History, there are good shopping at Gunwarf Quay at the other side of the train station.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@pauloneil8531]

The last lines of A sailor ain't a sailor (The last shanty) by Tom Lewis. Two cans of beer a day and that's your bleeding lot/Now we get an extra one because they've stopped the tot So we'll put on our civvy clothes and find a pub ashore/A sailor's still a sailor just like he was before

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@John-y5i3l]

Actually the last tot issue wasn't at 11am but at "mis musters" usually for men under training and was issued I think (because I was there) at 1800 that afternoon

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@jimmacpherson8706]

I was victualled in Tamar as a LReg at the time and came off a 24 hours watch at patrol HQ at midday.The duty PO had a 'Black Mass' to attend in the SR's mess, so left me in charge of the bubbly.Needless to say there were copious amounts of bubs slurped with stacks of plushers and queens, even for the RA's.Happy days.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@nigelhamilton815]

Enjoyed as always. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@user-vi9gw8pt9v]

Brilliant as always thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@RailfanDownunder]

Interesting and quite entertaining 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@ryanh4775]

My grandpa was in the US Navy and he spent some time on british ships and he did say that people did in fact do this when comparing the differences between the Navies. He never knocked the royal as they saved his life at one point but watching this video did bring back some fun memories I had of him and telling us how it was.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@ryanh4775]

@@TheHistoryChap no problem keep it going you discuss some very interesting topics within topics.

[@anonUK]

Rum made the other two elements of Navy tradition more bearable, I imagine.

[@tomservo56954]

If one of those other two is "the lash", got it...

[@mattdadrumme]

😂

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@him050]

Here’s a fun fact, do you know why strong spirits are labelled “naval strength”? It’s because the rum would often be stored in close proximity to the gunpowder. It therefore needed to be of an alcohol content so that it was readily flammable, so if it was spilt onto the gunpowder, it could still light readily.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@ginskimpivot753]

The last flasks of navy rum known to exist from the issue days, were found in Gibraltar and gifted to the Royal Yacht when it arrived there to pick up Charles and Diana for their honeymoon. I saw it being loaded onto the ship and it went straight into the wardroom. There was a hope that one of the empty flasks may be raffled off among the crew but just as expected, this didn't happen. Splice The Mainbrace on Britannia usually meant you could have a neat tot of whatever you wanted.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your interesting feedback.

[@JoeRitchie-e5l]

Love this. It's so interesting and teaches a lot

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@wocookie2277]

A Tot, was a welcome gift when I served in the Canadian Forces, Land Forces, during winter ex. 2 ounces of rum, not available for retail and had a kick, and a choice of a beer, or a pop. It sure warmed the belly, and I could understand it’s use in WW1. Enough of that and I’d storm hell.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback.

[@J1995M]

Very informative video, im just here as a guy who likes old and modern sea shantys. "Two cans of beer a day and thats your bleeding lot, but now we get an extra one because they stopped the tot"

[@martinhogg5337]

Great talk, Chris! Would be fun to hear of all the navy terms that are in regular use.

[@charleswhinney3008]

Buy the book Jackspeak by Chris Jolly

[@martinhogg5337]

@@charleswhinney3008 👍

[@martinhogg5337]

@@charleswhinney3008 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching glad you enjoyed it & the feedback which I might add to be ever growing list.

[@AxelPoliti]

Really nice! Thanks a lot!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching my video.

[@Box-oo9tx]

My one and only official tot of rum was the day following an official visit of HM The Queen to the Tri-service Unit MOD Southwick Park (formerly HMS Dryad) in May 2007. The Navy lined up serving the other two services and then themselves, queing up in one long line of troops. Lovely experience it was too.

[@Box-oo9tx]

It was officially granted by Her Majesty in honour of her visit which was an official opening of the Tri-Service Unit.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback

[@suelord2075]

The Royal Alfred Seafarer’s Society home in Surrey has a beautifully preserved grog tub and still issues a tot to the residents on holidays - a much loved tradition! Plus, it’s the only nursing home I’ve ever been in that has its own bar 🥃🍻

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@duckndive.]

As a young soldier newly arrived in Gibraltar, I seem to remember that a beating of the retreat was performed on the quay alongside HMS Cavalier to mark this occasion. I also have a memory of there being an allowance of two cans of beer being allowed shortly after, which was stored behind panelling, for later!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@tellyknessis6229]

If you should ever do an episode about naval slang/terminology "coming ashore", be sure to reference "Jackspeak" by Surg Cdr Rick Jolly of Falklands War fame. (He ran The Red & Green Life Machine - the field hospital in San Carlos Water.)

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback.

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

In the War between France and Britain in later 18th century to early 19th century, the RN had daily ration of beer in the Channel Fleet, the Gibraltar Station and in Mediterranean Sea had ration of red wine, the stations in Caribbean had ration of Rum.

[@derekclements5682]

Dad served 38 years in the RAN but was serving at HMAS Carpentaria/HMS Hermes and was part of issuing the last tot on that sad day. Kiwis issued a rum issue for many years after this date at least till the eighties they issued a special blend of Bundaberg rum. While we drank beer lol.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@Max_Flashheart]

I would love to see a video from you about the Japanese Submarine I-1 encountered with the Bird Class Minesweeping Trawlers HMNZS Kiwi and Moa. Disabling the sub by multiple ramming runs and forcing the sub to beach itself. Later the Japanese code books were acquired and this evidently lead to the US learning about Yamamoto's travel plans and taking him out.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & your interesting feedback.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@Max_Flashheart]

@@TheHistoryChap Your Bot is thanking itself and needs more training lol Or you did it twice in that case I know the feeling...

[@mevcarter6664]

As a Royal Navy veteran I enjoyed many a splicing of the main brace. Most notable was when serving on HMS Diomede whilst acting as Royal Yacht guardship in 1983 in the Caribbean and Pacific west coast. Happy days 🥃🥃🥃

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@accomuk]

A video on Naval Terms into English would be very interesting!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the comment, think I will add this to my ever growing list.

[@georgeedwards4807]

Very interesting as usual Chris! Had no idea the tradition only ended in 1970!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you found it interesting.

[@paulcheetham6178]

Was in the army but part of commando forces; in 1982, post Falklands, the unit moved from Plymouth to Yeovilton. The rum ration had long since been binned but there had been no replacement so it meant that every lunch time there was bugger all wets offered. Strange days. 🤪

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & your interesting feedback.

[@harryshriver6223]

So many ways history juxtaposes itself between its participants. I had no idea that was the origin of the name of Mount Vernon. I am sure that many a sailor who will hoist the tankard of grog and sing along with me. Rum should be standard fare for putting up with the daily grind but the powers that be have decided otherwise. Happy Black Tot Day! 🎉🎉 A 300 year tradition ended with appropriate sadness, long live Tot! 😂😅

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@grahamkearnon6682]

I was onboard Hermes in the early eighties, for both of the prince Charles offsprings, the free tot offered in celebration was somthing to see. The junior rates di ning hall tables were completely covered in hundreds of pre poured glasses of rum or whiskey.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & for your comment.

[@foxcell]

yo ho ho and a bottle of Rum 🍹 mines anything from Jamaica or Cuba please thanks for another fascinating insight into British history 👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@trooperdgb9722]

The RNZN didn't stop the Tot until February 1990! I remember visiting HMNZS TARANAKI as a young RAN Midshipman in 1980 or 81 when she and WAIKATO (IIRC) visited our Naval College at Jervis Bay. The Rum issue took place while we were onboard...just before lunch... and while I don't like Rum anyway, I don't know how anyone could drink THAT stuff! LOL The smell was enough to give me a headache! By then I believe the Tot was 1/8th of a pint mixed one-for-one with water. That is 71 ml, or a bit more than a Standard "Double"... If the Rum was still 148% Overproof as tradition dictated, that would have made lunch a rather pleasant occasion!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback.

[@sonarmb]

I served in the RAN and not sure when we stopped...but when the RAN 75th Anniversary occurred and the Queen said "Splice the mainbrace!" there was a mad scramble to find Rum. It turned out the RNZN still did Rum Issue (this was around 1986) so the Kiwis supplied the fleet based in NSW the Rum. I was serving on HMAS Swan at the time and we were based in Perth WA and didn't get to participate. Doing the maths.......a quarter of a pint is still 1 litre....which is a bloody lot of rum even watered down!

[@RS-rj5sh]

The Kiwis were always that little more "english" than the Aussies, so not surprising they kept it going longer. Knew an ex RAN guy who said they still issued rum during Vietnam era, so it probably stopped early 70's I'd say.

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for watching my video & for the feedback.

[@alexius23]

Nelson’s body was not buried at Sea. His corpse was stored in a barrel of rum (or brandy) to be returned to UK for burial in Saint Paul’s Cathedral. This led to rum being called Nelson’s Blood. There is a sea shanty called “a Drop of Nelson’s Blood.”

[@ceciljohnrhodes4987]

The story goes that the barrel was empty by the time Victory reached home.

[@Lassisvulgaris]

Also lead to the phrase "tapping the admiral".....

[@alexius23]

@@Lassisvulgaris 🤣

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@richardbradley2802]

Fascinating!

[@TheHistoryChap]

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[@088929k]

I was on H.M.S Lowestoft in Portsmouth dockyard on black tot day, I had served for 5 years at that time but was 15 years and 3 weeks old when I joined so I only got 24 tots. We had the rum ration issued on the heli-deck and all ratings and senior ratings had there tot and threw there tot glasses against the dockyard wall. Was not a fan of rum but it was the best bargaining currency in the navy up until that time. And also the amount of old sailors who left the navy when it stopped would be huge I think, as we knew them, 3 badge A/B's.

[@TheHistoryChap]

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