The End of the Royal Navy Rum Ration in 1970
The Royal Navy's long-standing tradition of issuing a rum ration, commonly known as a tot, finally came to an end in 1970, specifically on July 31st. This marked a significant change in naval discipline and sailor management, and a major adjustment in budgeting.
Historical Background and Context
The introduction of breathalyzer tests in 1969, designed to prevent sailors from drinking excessively, led to a decrease in the amount of alcohol accessible to junior ratings. However, senior rates and officers continued to purchase their own alcohol, unrestricted by such measures. Indeed, rumor has it that the tradition of the tot continued to make sense as a measure of reducing liquor consumption among the lower ranks.
The End of the Tot and Young Seaman's Perspective
According to those who missed the rum ration by just a few months, such as the author himself, the last issue of rum took place on July 31st, 1970, coinciding with the author's birthday. Serving in HMS Terror, Sembawang, working in COMFEF’s Comcen staff, the author was also a rum bosun during the last tot. The decision to discontinue the practice was made by Admiral Le Fanu, who deemed the navy too technically advanced for junior ratings to continue using the traditional ‘1 part rum, 2 parts water’ mixture.
Military and Financial Implications
After the introduction of the breathalyzer, the provision of the tot was no longer a necessity. Instead, junior sailors were given two cans of weak beer per day. This shift was not only a testimony to the modernization of the navy but also a reflection of the broader societal trend of viewing adults, including sailors, as capable of managing their own alcohol consumption responsibly.
Administratively and financially, the end of the rum ration was a significant event. At the time of its last issue in 1970, the provision of the rum ration was costing the Royal Navy over ￡1 million annually. This annual expenditure underscored the importance of the policy before its changes.
Admiral Le Fanu's Decision
The decision to end the rum ration was not made lightly. Admiral Le Fanu's reasoning was that the navy was too advanced for the continuation of the traditional rum ration, and that sailors were now trusted to manage their own alcohol consumption. Following this decision, the navy focused on other methods to maintain cleanliness in fresh water supplies.
Interestingly, the United States Navy also faced issues, requiring the use of crowbars to separate sailors (likely a humorous reference), indicating the significant change that occurred in the culture and structure of naval life.
Modern Implications
Today, modern ships are equipped with advanced technology effectively worth millions of pounds. The decision of Admiral Le Fanu not only represents a transition in naval policy but also a broader shift in attitudes towards alcohol and responsibility among enlisted sailors.
The transition from the rum ration to a system of weak beer highlighted the increasing maturity and self-management of naval personnel, reflecting changes in the broader context of maritime and military culture.
The end of the rum ration on July 31st, 1970, stands as a pivotal moment in the history of the Royal Navy, marking the culmination of a long and storied tradition and the beginning of a new era in naval discipline and organization.