27

For hundreds of years the Royal Navy issued a daily ration of grog( a mixture of rum and water) to all hands. When the Royal Canadian Navy was formed the tradition was carried on in the same manner. The usual practise was to issue the rum in the forenoon at the same time afternoon watchmen were called to dinner. The pipe "UP SPIRITS AFTERNOON WATCHMEN TO DINNER" was heard throughout the ship. The off duty crew lined up to receive their issue which was to be drunk in front of the issuers (usually the Officer of the Day and the Cowswain". The "cook of the mess" for each mess drew the issue (called a "tot") for those on duty and issued it to them at the end of the forenoon watch. This custom or variations of it carried on until sometime in the 1970's when the practice was terminated in the RCN and RN. It should be pointed out that prior to, during and after WWII a rating had to be 20 years old to draw his "tot", if younger he was paid 6 cents a day in lieu of the rum issue. One could also elect not to draw it and receive the 6 cents which was paid quarterly. During WWII it was $5.40 every quarter. A rating's Watch Card was noted G or T, Grog or Temperance, to show whether or not he was entitled to the daily issue. During WWII in many of the small ships, minesweepers, corvettes etc., the rum was issued "neat" that is without water to each cook of the mess for reissue. It was sold by some or traded for cigarettes.

28

Rum Measure
Circa 1940
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

29

HMCS Alberni Rum Barrel
Circa 1940
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada


Credits:
John J, Trafford, P.O. Telegraphist 1940-1945.
Lt. (later Lt. Cdr.) Freeman Burrowes