Happy Black Tot Day

Today on Existing in BFE, we stray from our usual Wednesday "Pictures" feature to provide you with something else, a bit of history, nostalgia and a perhaps an opportunity to hail the loss of tradition from our cousins across the ocean. Today, in the British Navy, such as it is in the 21st century, is Black Tot Day. Today marks the 49th Anniversary of the end of Naval forces providing a daily ration of rum aboard ship.

Prior to the 18th century a gallon of beer was dispensed daily to the Royal sailors. But that was a lot of beer to store, so the Empire went with a rum ration instead. Two centuries later, due to a changing of perception for alcohol, and disciplinary problems from sailors, the Royal Navy decided to end its daily rations. July 30th, 1970. Alcohol and press gangs no longer enticed young men to join up.

In the 1700's the Admiral's Grog Committee, aren't the British cute?, decided because of drunkenness that the rum should be diluted with water for a 4:1 water to rum concoction and dispensed twice daily. Doesn't hardly seem enough to whet your whistle, let alone produce drunken behavior. Sounds to me like those salty tars of yesteryear had a keg hidden away someplace. Damn your eyes!

Daily tot dispensary aboard the HMS Cavalier.

HMS Cavalier

On December 17, 1969 the Admiralty board issued this statement: "The Admiralty Board concludes that the rum issue is no longer compatible with the high standards of efficiency required now that the individuals tasks in ships are concerned with complex, often delicate, machinery and systems on the correct functioning on which people's lives may depend." This led to the Great Rum Debate in the House of Commons, and that was that. Well, that sucks, mate.

And so, on the pouring of the 6th bell on the forenoon watch (11:00 am) the last rum was issued. Some sailors wore black armbands. One ship even had a casket and pipes, some buried their rum casks at sea. The Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians followed suit. And, thus, my friends and dear readers, one of the great traditions of seafaring life came to an end.

Wherever ye be today, lubber, hoist a tot in remembrance.

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