Naval Technical Questions

[Doofus]

Not very technical for those that know, I'm sure.

- When showing ship schematics (deck plans, or cross-sections) it there an accepted orientation? Bow at the top, bow to the right etc.

- With regard to a WW2 destroyer, what's a "W/T House"? I'm assuming Wireless / Telegraph House.

- Likewise, what's a "Spirit Room"? Surely it's not just the place where they keep the rum?


Many thanks

[handpaper]

A rum ration was issued in various forms up to 31st of July, 1970.
A crew of 100 would have got through 11 gallons of rum a week.

[MBBlat]

Doofus said:

- When showing ship schematics (deck plans, or cross-sections) it there an accepted orientation? Bow at the top, bow to the right etc.
s

Deck plans and profile views almost always show the bow facing the right hand side of the page. Very rarely there will be an external view of the port side facing left.

Transverse sections can be either way round - a technical drawing will always specify looking forward/looking aft for that reason.

[ninja-lewis]

Mention of Spirit Room here implies rum storage:

http://www.naval-history.net/WW2aaNavalLife-Custom...

[Doofus]

Lovely, thanks all.

[Riley Blue]

ninja-lewis said:

Mention of Spirit Room here implies rum storage:

http://www.naval-history.net/WW2aaNavalLife-Custom...

Thanks for the link. My Dad joined the RN in 1937 (two years before he was old enough to receive a 'tot') and served, on and off, until the end of the Korean War; he would have been very familiar with that routine. He mentions 'grog' in his memoirs and 'sippers' and 'gulpers' - sharing your tot with an oppo in return for small favours.

[texaxile]

Riley Blue said:

Thanks for the link. My Dad joined the RN in 1937 (two years before he was old enough to receive a 'tot') and served, on and off, until the end of the Korean War; he would have been very familiar with that routine. He mentions 'grog' in his memoirs and 'sippers' and 'gulpers' - sharing your tot with an oppo in return for small favours.

I was chatting to my Dad yesterday, he mentioned "sippers" as well!. He told me that when he was responsible for dishing out the Rum ration, he would clip the bottom of the meal ticket once it had been dispensed. Some crafty Matelots would pretend to do up their bootlace and pick the clippings up off the floor, then iron them back in and come around for another tot (or try to). Doing a deal with a "sipper" or "gulper" could mean that you got an extra hour - or longer in bed before your watch.