Why a Navy Officers’ Mess is called a Wardroom

NAVY WARDROOM

Why a “Navy Officers’ Mess” is called a “Wardroom” 
Musings of a Navy Veteran
By
VIKRAM KARVE

WARDROOM

Sometime ago – a young Army Officer asked me: 

“Why is a “Navy Officers’ Mess” called a “Wardroom”...?

I had asked the same question to a senior Naval Officer long ago – in the 1970’s – when I joined the Navy.

Here is the answer:

The Genesis of the term WARDROOM 


(“Wardroom” is a “Navy Officers’ Mess”) 

In the 18^th Century – in the British Royal Navy – warships had a large compartment called “WARDROBE”.

This compartment – the “Wardrobe” – was used for storing “prizes of war” – booty and valuables – plundered from foreign ships at sea – and looted in conquests on shores of other countries.

The “Wardrobe” was generally located near the Officers’ Accommodation (cabins).

When the “Wardrobe” was empty – especially during the outward voyage – the Officers began using this “Wardrobe” compartment for dining and lounging – to have their meals – and to congregate and pass time together. 

As the days of plundering and looting ended – the “Wardrobe” was used exclusively by Officers as a lounge and for eating meals.

Gradually – the “Wardrobe” became the “Officers’ Mess and Lounge” 

Having been elevated from a “closet” to a “room” – instead of “Ward Robe” – it was now called the “Ward Room”.

Whereas – Officers dined in the “Wardroom” – Sailors dined in “Messes” on board Warships.

The Genesis of the term “MESS” 

When it first appeared in English – “mess” meant a portion of food (from the Old French word “mes” which means “a dish”).

Later – “mess” came to refer to a group of people – who sat together at a meal and were served from the same dishes. 

In warships – a group of sailors would sit together at one table and were served from the same dishes – in a “mess” – and those who habitually sat together were “messmates”.

There is one “wardroom” for officers on a warship. 

But – depending on the size of the ship – there may be many separate department-wise “mess-rooms” for junior sailors – and – one or two – senior sailors’ mess-rooms.

Soon – the term “mess-room” was itself later contracted to “mess”.

So now – in the Navy – a modern warship has a “Wardroom” for Officers – and – “Messes” for Sailors. 

In the Navy – even commissioned establishments ashore (Stone Frigates) are referred to as “ships” – and therefore – even Naval Shore Establishments have “Wardrooms”.

The Army and Air Force have Officers’ Messes.

To put it in a nutshell – let us say that: 

A “Wardroom” is a “Navy Officers’ Mess” 

Dear Reader: 

To know more about the military institution of The Officers’ Mess click the link below: 

http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/03/what-is-officers-mess.html 

A Wardroom or Officers Mess’ is a happy place where you can forget about rank differences and you can interact freely and informally with your fellow officers.

I have had the best of times and made the best of friends in Navy Wardrooms and Army Officers’ Messes. 

From time to time – I have been telling you about my glorious days in the Navy – and I am sure you have read a few of those “humor in uniform” nostalgic yarns I keep writing – right here in my blog.

Till next time – Cheers and Godspeed !!!

VIKRAM KARVE

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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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Extract from My Revised/Updated version of my article earlier posted online by me Vikram Karve more than 5 years ago on Saturday, March 17, 2012 in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog - details below:

Posted by Vikram Karve at 3/17/2012 10:50:00 PM and reposted later at urls: 

http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2012/03/mess-maintenance-of-equal-social-status.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/05/mess-maintenance-of-equal-social-status.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/10/army-officers-mess-and-navy-wardroom.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/10/officers-mess-no-place-for-vip-culture.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/06/army-officers-mess-and-navy-wardroom.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/04/officers-mess.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/03/what-is-officers-mess.html etc