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Rum ration - Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

submitted 2 months ago by Cheradenine@sh.itjust.works to c/wikipedia@lemmy.world

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The rum ration (also called the tot) was a daily amount of rum given to sailors on Royal Navy ships. It was abolished in 1970 after concerns that the intake of strong alcohol would lead to unsteady hands when working machinery.

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[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 10 points 2 months ago (1 children)

"a drop of Nelson's blood" is a common refrain in English sea shanties.

In some of my favorite books, the Aubrey-Maturin series, Dr. Maturin has an asp preserved in alcohol and the seamen sneak in and drink it off!

[–] Atelopus-zeteki@kbin.run 5 points 2 months ago (1 children)

"Oh a drop of Nelson's blood wouldn't do us any harm!" "And we'll all hang on behind" "As we roll the old chariot along"

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 months ago (2 children)

I think my favorite version of that song is David Coffin's crowd sing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49FWp7WLYKw

Always props to grey hat w/ green button down hitting the high harmony!

[–] Plum@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I love this so much. The first time I saw this version I watched it ten times in a row and cried a little.

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 3 points 2 months ago

Group singing like this is really powerful. I'm glad you liked it!

[–] Atelopus-zeteki@kbin.run 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I am a member of The High Desert Seamen, a group that sings sea shanties and wassailing songs on 12/24 each year. Roll The Old Chariot is one of our songs. We add new verses in every year. David Coffin, in this viddie is truly inspiring. He has much to teach us all.

[–] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

He's been very active on tiktok too, singing different versions of these old songs, taking requests, and singing with others. I don't know anything about his personal life, but in shanties he's awesome.

My top shantyman, though, is Tom Lewis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqUNwvOLzpk

Your group sounds awesome! I have always loved shanties and sea-songs; I should look for a local group that takes random idiots.

[–] Atelopus-zeteki@kbin.run 3 points 2 months ago

We live in the high mountain desert, far from navigable waters, and so singing sea shanties and wassailing songs at Xmas Eve seemed a natural development. We welcome random idiots, fools, and other amusing people to join.