When did the Navy serve its rum?
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In 1969, the Admiralty Board concluded that the daily rum tot was not compatible with the “complex and often delicate machinery and systems found aboard modern ships.” The final rum ration aboard Royal Navy Ships was served on July 31, 1970, henceforth known as “Black Tot Day” in the Royal Navy.
Did sailors drink rum prevent scurvy?
4 – Pirates drank rum to prevent scurvy Grog is a well-known mariner’s beverage made from a blend of sugar-water, lime juice and rum. The Vitamin C in limes helped pirates prevent scurvy, a disease that causes teeth to fall out — and pirates needed their teeth to bite enemies.
Did British sailors drink rum or gin?
Starting in the mid 1700s, sailors in the British Navy were given a daily ration of rum—a “tot,” as it became known. The practice continued for more than two centuries, during which time, coincidentally or not, the Royal Navy became the most powerful armada in the world.
When did the Navy stop giving rum?
July 31, 1970
The Day Rum Rations Ended On July 31, 1970, now known as Black Tot Day, naval sailors enjoyed their last daily tot ration.
1731
The British Navy’s use of rum as an alternative to beer in the West Indies was officially recognised in 1731 when new regulations stipulated that in lieu of beer a daily ration of half a pint or 2 gills (275ml) of rum be issued.
What did sailors drink to prevent scurvy?
Lauchlin Rose patented a method used to preserve citrus juice without alcohol in 1867, creating a concentrated drink known as Rose’s lime juice. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1867 required all ships of the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy to provide a daily lime ration of one pound to sailors to prevent scurvy.
Do British sailors still get rum?
The end of a Royal Navy tradition, as the daily ration of rum was abolished due to safety concerns, on July 31, 1970. LSA Michael Johns pours a final tot at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Chatham, Kent. The crew wore black armbands to mourn the passing of the tradition.
Did sailors drink rum?
Rum is synonymous with the Royal Navy. Sailors were given a daily tot of rum from 1655 until the ration was abolished, as recently as 1970. In 1740, Admiral Edward Vernon introduced a mixture of one part rum to four parts water, flavoured with lemon juice and brown sugar.
How did sailors drink rum?
Of course, sailors and pirates didn’t just drink rum straight. To make it more palatable, they would mix it with a bit of water to make grog; or water, sugar, and nutmeg (to make bumbo). Today, consumers tend to prefer mojitos and Mai Tais.