Royal Navy veterans toast a 'sad moment in history' as service marks 50th anniversary of Black Tot Day

Known as Black Tot Day, it marked the end of a centuries’ old naval tradition, dating back to 1655.

Members of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) staged a traditional ceremony in front of Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Accompanied by the pipe ‘up spirits’, the daily portion of rum had been introduced to replace beer as it was easier to keep on board.

Over time, the allowance was watered down and reduced in quantity because of drunkenness on board until in 1969 the Great Rum Debate was held in the House of Commons leading to the removal of the ration, which was last served on July 31 1970

The move caused uproar in the navy, with many sailors wearing black armbands ‘or funeral dress’ to mark the occasion.

Keith Ridley, president of the RNA, served in the navy when the tot was axed and said it had shocked sailors.

‘It was such a sad day in naval history, most people in the Royal Navy at the time could just not believe that a tradition – which had lasted hundreds of years - was coming to a sudden end,’ he said.

‘Throughout the fleet and across the world they commemorated the day by tradition, with people dressed up as if they were going to a funeral, wearing black armbands and a black band around the rum tub.

‘Some ships when they finished the tots threw the rum tubs overboard and if it was a shore establishment they buried it with a headstone. So it was a really sad day.’

Former naval officer Adrian Bell, chief executive of the RNRMC, said: ‘The tot meant an awful lot to people. It was a symbol of unity and camaraderie, with crews coming together.

‘During the coronavirus pandemic, the idea of camaraderie is more important now than ever before.

‘Loneliness and isolation is not a scourge of just today and this pandemic but by glory it has been highlighted by what has gone on.

‘So we’re looking to see what we can do, working together with the RNA, to tackle this scourge.’

Vice Admiral John McAnally, national president of the RNA, said the loss of the tot was met with sadness but also understanding and added: ‘By 1970 living conditions were better, bridges were enclosed, the breathalyser had come, equipment was ever more complex, we did replace it with a daily beer issue and a proper bar and a big fund called the tot fund.’

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