Vivian Marlowe
The rum ration, also known as the daily tot, was a long-standing tradition in the Royal Navy. From 1866 to 1970, sailors were given a daily ration of rum, which amounted to one-eighth of an imperial pint (approximately 71 ml) of 95.5 proof rum (54.6% ABV). This tradition, which spanned over 300 years, was abolished in 1970 due to concerns about the operation of complex machinery while under the influence of alcohol. Prior to the switch to rum rations in the 17th century, sailors were provided with mild beer or wine, which had a tendency to spoil during long voyages at sea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of abolishment | 31 July 1970 |
| Known as | "Tot" or "daily tot" |
| Amount | One-eighth of an imperial pint (71 ml) |
| ABV | 54.6% |
| Senior ratings | Neat |
| Junior ratings | Diluted with two parts of water to make three-eighths of an imperial pint (213 ml) of grog |
| Storage | In large barrels in a special rum store in the bowels of the ship |
| Serving | Served from one particular barrel, known as the "Rum Tub" |
| Alternatives | Beer or grog |
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What You'll Learn
The daily rum ration was stopped in 1970
The daily rum ration, also known as the "daily tot", was a long-standing tradition in the Royal Navy, spanning over 300 years of naval history. However, this tradition came to an end in 1970, with the last rum ration being served on July 31, 1970, a day now known as Black Tot Day.
The decision to abolish the rum ration was made by Admiral Peter Hill-Norton, who had concerns about the potential impact of strong alcohol on sailors' ability to operate complex machinery safely. This decision was supported by the advancement of technology in naval vessels during the 1960s, which included the introduction of delicate and complex machinery. The concern was that consuming alcohol could lead to unsteady hands and impaired judgment when working with such machinery.
The daily tot had been a norm for sailors in the Royal Navy, and it served multiple purposes. Firstly, it addressed the issue of safe drinking water, as at many points in history, water was not always available or potable. Additionally, the rum ration boosted morale among sailors and was seen as a way to cope with the challenging conditions they faced.
The end of the rum ration was met with resistance and sadness by sailors. Black Tot Day was marked by sailors throwing their tots into the sea and staging a mock funeral in a training camp. To compensate for the loss of the rum ration, sailors were allowed to purchase beer, and improvements were made to recreational facilities.
While the daily rum ration was stopped, the tradition of awarding an extra tot of rum for good service, known as "splice the mainbrace", has been retained. This command can only be given by the Monarch and is used to recognize exceptional service.
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The rum ration spanned over 300 years of naval history
The rum ration, also known as the "daily tot", was a long-standing tradition in the Royal Navy. The practice, which began around 1655, involved distributing a daily amount of rum to sailors on Royal Navy ships. Over time, the rum ration became deeply ingrained in naval culture, spanning over 300 years of history.
The tradition of the rum ration originated from the need for a durable and space-efficient beverage on long sea voyages. Initially, sailors were provided with a gallon of beer as their daily ration. However, beer was perishable and occupied significant storage space. Rum, on the other hand, did not spoil and was more compact, making it a preferable alternative.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, the rum ration typically consisted of half a pint of rum per day for sailors. However, concerns arose regarding the level of drunkenness among the crew. As a result, Admiral Sir Edward Vernon ordered that the rum be mixed with water, and a daily dose of lime and sugar was added to the mixture. This concoction, known as grog, became a staple of naval life.
The rum ration served multiple purposes beyond hydration. It helped to boost morale among sailors, facing the challenges of tedious and dangerous life at sea. Additionally, during an era when refrigeration was non-existent, the rum provided a form of preservation, preventing the spoilage of water supplies.
However, by the 1970s, the tradition came under scrutiny. With advancements in naval technology, the operation of complex machinery required sober personnel. On July 31, 1970, known as Black Tot Day, the rum ration was officially abolished. Sailors mourned the loss of this long-standing tradition, staging mock funerals and pouring their final rations into the sea.
While the daily rum ration may have ended, it remains a notable chapter in the history of the Royal Navy, reflecting the challenges and traditions of naval life over three centuries.
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The rum ration was also known as the 'daily tot'
The rum ration, also known as the "daily tot", was a long-standing tradition in the Royal Navy. It involved distributing a daily amount of rum to sailors on Royal Navy ships. The tradition originated around 1655 when ships began providing rum rations instead of beer, which could spoil easily and took up valuable cargo space.
The daily tot was an essential part of life in the Royal Navy, spanning over 300 years of naval history. It was initially implemented to address the issue of water quality, as safe drinking water was often unavailable or unsafe during long voyages at sea. The rum ration also helped boost morale among sailors and was seen as a way to cope with the hardships and dangers of naval life, including the risk of scurvy due to a lack of fresh produce.
The contents of the rum ration varied depending on rank. Senior ratings, including petty officers and above, received their rum neat, while junior ratings had their rum diluted with water to create grog. The grog mixture for junior ratings consisted of one-third rum and two-thirds water, resulting in a weaker drink.
Despite its long-standing tradition, the rum ration was eventually abolished in the Royal Navy on July 31, 1970, a day that became known as Black Tot Day. The decision to end the practice was influenced by concerns over the compatibility of alcohol consumption with the increasing presence of complex machinery and technology on naval vessels. There were also debates about the impact of alcohol on the performance and safety of sailors, with some arguing that it raised blood alcohol levels above the legal limit for operating motor vehicles.
The end of the rum ration was met with sadness and resistance from sailors, who considered it a loss of a long-standing tradition. To commemorate the occasion, sailors wore black armbands, staged mock funerals, and poured their final rations into the sea as a symbolic burial ritual.
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The ration was one-eighth of an imperial pint (71 ml) of rum
From 1866 to 1970, a sailor in the Royal Navy would have received a daily alcohol ration of one-eighth of an imperial pint (71 ml) of rum, also known as a "tot". This rum ration was served neat to senior ratings (petty officers and above), while junior ratings received their rum diluted with two parts of water to make three-eighths of an imperial pint (213 ml) of grog.
The tradition of the daily tot began around 1655 when many ships switched from beer rations to rum, which did not spoil as easily and took up less space. The rum ration was so important to naval tradition that its abolition in 1970, known as Black Tot Day, prompted a lengthy debate in the House of Commons. Sailors wore black armbands and staged mock funerals to mourn the end of this centuries-old custom.
While the rum ration was officially abolished in 1970, the order to "splice the mainbrace", awarding sailors an extra tot of rum for good service, remains a command that can only be given by the Monarch. In recent years, special occasions such as the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy in 2010 have also been marked with a rum ration.
The daily tot was more than just a drink for sailors—it was a vital part of the fabric of the Royal Navy, used as a currency and a way of life. It was also a way to improve the taste of the water available on ships, which could turn rancid, and to prevent scurvy, as rum was often mixed with lime juice, providing sailors with a daily dose of vitamin C.
However, by the 1970s, the Royal Navy had become a professionalised body that worked with complex, multi-million-pound machinery, and the dangers of operating such equipment while under the influence of alcohol could no longer be ignored.
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Sailors wore black armbands on the last day of the rum ration
The rum ration, also known as the "daily tot", was a long-standing tradition in the Royal Navy. It was a daily amount of rum given to sailors on Royal Navy ships. The tradition began around 1655, when ships switched from beer rations to rum, as rum did not rot inside barrels and took up less space. The rum ration was also preferred because, at many points in history, water was not always available or safe to drink.
Over time, drunkenness on board naval vessels became a problem, and in 1740, Admiral Edward Vernon ordered that the rum be mixed with water in a 4:1 ratio and split into two servings per day. In 1824, the size of the tot was halved to one-quarter of an imperial pint (142 ml) to further curb drunkenness. By the 1960s, technology on naval vessels had advanced to include complex machinery, and operating these systems while under the influence of alcohol was no longer considered safe.
On July 31, 1970, now known as Black Tot Day, naval sailors received their last daily tot ration. Many sailors wore black armbands and poured their ration into the sea as a symbolic "burial" of the tradition. The rum ration was a practice that spanned over 300 years of naval history and was an important part of morale among sailors. Mock funerals were staged, and sailors threw their empty glasses and the barrel into the harbour. In one navy training camp, HMS Collingwood, there was a mock funeral procession complete with a black coffin, drummers, and a piper.
While the rum ration was abolished, the order to splice the mainbrace, awarding sailors an extra tot of rum for good service, remains a command that can only be given by the Monarch. Rum rations are also still given on special occasions.
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Frequently asked questions
A Royal Naval seaman's alcohol ration per day was one-eighth of an imperial pint (71 ml) of rum at 95.5 proof (54.6% ABV). Senior ratings received their rum neat, while junior ratings had theirs diluted with two parts of water to make three-eighths of an imperial pint (213 ml) of grog.
The tradition of alcohol rations for sailors in the British Royal Navy started around 1655. At the time, water supplies during long voyages at sea could turn rancid or run out, and beer, the original rationed drink, could spoil easily. Rum, on the other hand, did not rot inside barrels and freed up space for cargo.
The rum ration was abolished on July 31, 1970, known as Black Tot Day. It was discontinued due to concerns about the intake of strong alcohol leading to unsteady hands when working with complex machinery on naval vessels.
Yes, sailors wore black armbands and staged mock funerals. On one ship, sailors threw their empty glasses and the barrel into the harbour.
