PORTLAND BRANCH
Secretary Shipmate P A Robbins

Veterans Gather To Commemorate The Demise Of The Royal Naval Rum Issue

Since the cessation of the issue of a daily tot of rum to the Royal Navy on 31 July 1970, veterans have gathered annually at the Corner House Public House on Portland to re-enact the ceremony and “Splice the Mainbrace”.

The daily rum issue, which has been traced back to Jamaica in 1665 when a half gill or one eighth of an imperial pint was issued to all the Ship’s Company who were not “under age” or “given to temperance”.  To ensure fairness and equality the rum was issued under strict supervision with military precision which gradually evolved into the ceremony of rum issue fondly remembered by many Naval veterans to this day. 

“This was an important part of Naval life for many years” said Dan Sherren, ex Warrant Officer and Public Relations Officer for the Portland Royal Naval Association “We are obviously keen supporters of the event and hope it will continue to be observed for years to come.

In recent years the rum issue has been held on the Saturday nearest the 31st July, which this year falls on Saturday 28th, when Naval veterans and many interested onlookers will gather at 12.00 precisely to hear a short explanation of the rum issue before “Up-spirits” is piped on a traditional Bosun’s call and a carefully measured issue of rum decanted and served to each of those present.

“Traditionally, the Naval or “Pussers” tot of rum was a secret blend of rum from 5 Carribean distilleries” explained ex Chief Petty Officer Jeff Chitty, now landlord of the Corner House “ Nowadays we now use commercially bought rum which provokes a great deal of comparison with that issued in the “good old days””

If you understand the terms “sippers”, “gulpers” or “sandy bottoms” or are interested in finding out, you can be assured of a warm welcome and a most practical history lesson.

Ends

Further information is available from Andy Porter, by e-mail to skitek2000@btconnect.com

Portland RNA Gala Dinner with guest speaker C/o RNAS Yeovilton Commodore Chris Palmer, and of course himself the effervescing Charles H our m/c and the member hiding behind the growth is  Arthur Copus Lt. Cmd Ret.  Many more well known members at the table waiting to be served far too numerous to mention.

STOP PRESS
Charles H has joined the 21st Century.
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