Rum ration

Splice the mainbrace onboard HMS York

HMS Belfast 7

HMS Cavalier grog tub

Rum ration was a daily amount of rum given to sailors on naval ships in several countries. This tradition, which started in the British Royal Navy in the 17th century, was phased out by many navies in the 20th century. The rum ration was also known as "tot" or "navy strength rum," a term that reflects the high alcohol content of the rum provided.

History

The practice of providing a rum ration to sailors began in 1655 when the British Royal Navy replaced its beer ration with rum. The change was made because rum was more durable and took up less space, which was a significant advantage on long voyages. Initially, the rum was given to sailors neat, or undiluted, but this led to problems with drunkenness on board ships. To address this, Vice Admiral Edward Vernon ordered in 1740 that the rum should be mixed with water, a mixture that came to be known as "grog."

The daily rum ration was a cherished tradition among sailors, serving not only as a morale booster but also as a medicinal supplement, believed to help ward off scurvy and other diseases, although it had no real medicinal properties against such illnesses. The ration was given out at midday after the "up spirits" call, a time that became an important part of the sailors' daily routine.

Abolition

The practice of issuing a daily rum ration continued for several centuries, but concerns over alcohol abuse and its impact on operational effectiveness led to its gradual reduction and eventual abolition. The Royal New Zealand Navy was the first to end the rum ration in 1950, followed by the Royal Australian Navy in 1969. The Royal Canadian Navy abolished the rum ration in 1972, and the British Royal Navy, the last to maintain the tradition, ended it on 31 July 1970, a day known as "Black Tot Day."

Cultural Impact

The rum ration has left a lasting legacy in naval culture and the wider world. Terms such as "splice the mainbrace," which originally referred to a difficult repair job on a ship but later became associated with the issuing of a rum ration, are still used today to signify a celebration or special occasion. The tradition of the rum ration has also been commemorated in literature, film, and television, reflecting its iconic status in naval history.

Modern Times

In modern times, the tradition of the rum ration has been revived in a ceremonial context. Certain navies and maritime organizations occasionally issue a rum ration during special events or commemorations, keeping the spirit of the tradition alive.