Black Tot Day

Today (31 July) is Black Tot Day. 

On this day 49 years ago – on 31 July 1970 – the last Rum Rations were served to sailors – so this day was observed as “Black Tot Day” 

On 31 July 1970 – the Royal Navy Stopped the Daily Tot of Rum for all serving Naval Personnel. 

This Naval Tradition had been around since 1667. 

It was a sad day for sailors. 

On December 17, 1969 the Admiralty Board issued a written answer to a question from the MP for Woolwich East, Christopher Mayhew saying: 

"The Admiralty Board concludes that the rum issue is no longer compatible with the high standards of efficiency required now that the individual's tasks in ships are concerned with complex, and often delicate, machinery and systems on the correct functioning of which people's lives may depend". 

This led to a debate in the House of Commons on the evening of January 28, 1970, now referred to as the 'Great Rum Debate', started by James Wellbeloved, MP for Erith and Crayford, who believed that the rum ration should not be removed. 

The debate lasted an hour and 15 minutes and closed at 10:29 PM with a decision that the rum ration was no longer appropriate.

July 31, 1970 was the final day of the rum ration and it was poured as usual at 6 bells in the forenoon watch (11 AM) after the pipe of 'up spirits'. 

Some sailors wore black armbands, tots were 'buried at sea' and in one Navy Stone Frigate (Shore Based Training Establishment), HMS Collingwood, the Royal Naval Electrical College at Fareham in Hampshire there was a mock funeral procession complete with black coffin and accompanying drummers and piper. 

The move was not popular with the ratings despite an extra can of beer being added to the daily rations in compensation. 

Dear Reader: 

If you want to know more about the genesis and history of Rum Rations in the Navy, please read my article on Rum Rations in the Navy at url: https://karve.wordpress.com/2019/05/16/rum-grog-a-sailors-drink/ 


Wish you a sober Black Tot Day.

Humor in Uniform – Scuttlebutt

Humor in Uniform 

Disclaimer: 

This story is a fictional 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.

SCUTTLEBUTT

A Fictional Spoof  

By

VIKRAM KARVE

The TASO sidled up drunkenly towards me and said to me: “I’ll tell you something – but – you must keep it to yourself…”

[The “TAS Officer” aka TASO (Torpedo Anti-Submarine Officer) – he was the senior-most “in-living” officer.

With our penchant for changing names – and – in consonance with the increasing “Americanization” of our Naval Culture – TASO was later re-designated as ASWO (Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer)…]

Dear Reader – this story happened 42 years ago – in the 1970’s – when I was serving on a frontline warship of the western fleet.

After a long sailing exercise – we had returned to our base port Mumbai (it was called Bombay those days).

It was the first day of the monsoon – and – it was raining heavily.

The TASO had returned from leave from New Delhi (his hometown).

Normally – the “Deluxe” arrived at Bombay Central (Mumbai Central) at 5 PM – but today – due the heavy rains – the train had arrived 5 hours late- and by the time the TASO had reached our ship berthed in the Dockyard – it was past 11 PM.

I called the “Duty Steward” – I told him to open the Wardroom Bar – and I told him to fry some “Luncheon Meat” as “Small Eats” for the hungry TASO.

(Well – things may be different today – people may be sticky about bar and meal timings – but those days – we treated our ship’s wardroom as our home – and – things were quite informal and comfortable – especially for officers)

The TASO had a bath and arrived in the Wardroom.

I smiled at the TASO.

He smiled back.

The TASO was a good guy – and – despite the fact that he was 5 years senior to me in the rank of Lieutenant – we were good friends.

(Those days – in the 1970’s – after being commissioned as an Officer in the Navy – it took you 3 years to become a Lieutenant – and then – you remained a Lieutenant for 8 long years – before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander – after a total of 11 years of commissioned service.

Today – you see “greenhorns” – who haven’t yet fully grown their whiskers – strutting around wearing “two and a half stripes” of a Lieutenant Commander – after just 6 years of commissioned service – thanks to the benevolent Ajai Vikram Singh Cadre Review Report aka AVS 2006 – which has reduced the value of senior ranks to subaltern status…)

The Duty Steward placed the plate of Luncheon Meat in front of us.

The Steward asked the TASO: “Sir – would you like a drink…?”

“Take out a bottle of whisky – fill up the ice box – keep a jug of water – and give me the keys to the fridge – in case we want soda or something else…” the TASO said to the Steward.

“Aye Aye, Sir…” the Steward said, “should I tell the cook to make some dinner for you…?”

“No. This Luncheon Meat should be enough. You can secure…” the TASO said to the Steward.

“Thank you, Sir…” the Steward said – he kept everything on the table as instructed – gave us the keys to the fridge – and went away.

We – the TASO and I – we started drinking.

“Sir – did you visit DOP…?” I asked the TASO.

“Of course I visited DOP – that’s the advantage if your home station in Delhi – you can make your “pilgrimage” to DOP at least once a year – maybe twice – when you go on leave…” the TASO said.

(DOP is “Director of Personnel” at Naval Headquarters – who looks after appointments and transfers)

“Sir – any news…?” I asked the TASO.

“I’ll tell you something – but – you must keep it to yourself…” the TASO said.

“Of course, Sir…” I said.

“Our “Old Man” is going on transfer…”

“What…? Our Captain is going on transfer…? So suddenly…?”

“Yes – most unexpected – his normal tenure was for another 6 months at least – but they are pulling him out urgently for a diplomatic assignment…”

“Diplomatic Assignment…? Our Captain is going as NA…?”

“Yes – Naval Attaché – to one of the best countries – a most prestigious appointment.”

“We didn’t know anything about this…”

“No one knew. It happened quite suddenly – just last week. The guy who was supposed to go – he had a severe car accident and is hospitalized with his legs and bones all broken – he will take a long time to be medically fit – so – our boss was chosen…”

“Does our “Old Man” know…? He didn’t say anything…”

“I am sure he knows – but he must be keeping it to himself till everything comes in black and white…”

“Are you sure, Sir…? I asked the TASO.

“Of course I am sure…” the TASO said, “the DOP told me all this in strict confidence. You know how close I am to the DOP, don’t you…?”

“Yes, Sir – you told me that he is your uncle…”

“He is not my uncle – his wife is related to me – she is my cousin sister…”

“Oh…” I said, “Sir – any idea who is the new Captain…?”

“That’s the bad news…”

“Bad news…?”

The TASO looked at me – and he said with a wicked smile: “Brace yourself – our new Captain is going to be “Bum Bandit”…”

“Shit…! “Bum Bandit”…? Are you sure, Sir…?” I asked the TASO.

“100% sure – the DOP told me himself…”

“I thought “Bum Bandit” was “dry listed”…”

“He pulled some high-level strings and got himself “wet listed”…”

“But why our ship…?”

“The first vacancy – our bad luck…”

“So – it’s bad days ahead…”

“Yes – this “Bum Bandit” bugger has a terrible reputation – he is a bloody sadist – he screws the hell out of everyone – literally and figuratively. And just imagine – the bugger is a confirmed bachelor – so – he will be staying on board even in harbour – so our life will be hell 24/7…”

“Hopefully – he will get his own “fags” and “peg boys”…”

“He wanted to – but DOP refused – no crew change…”

“Then – we better steer clear and cover our backsides…”

“Don’t worry – there are plenty of “Sea Dolls” on board for “Bum Bandit” to target…”

“Anyway – we are in for a tough time. We will really miss our “Old Man” – he was a good Captain who ran a happy ship…” 

“He will be leaving next week – the official letter may be issued tomorrow…?

“That’s sad…” I said.

“Let’s kill the bottle and go to sleep…” the TASO said.

So – we polished off the remains of the whisky and hit our bunks.

NEXT MORNING

We were enjoying a hearty Navy style “English” breakfast of porridge, bacon and eggs, sausages, ham, salami etc – when the Captain’s “Doggy” entered the wardroom – he looked at the TASO and said: “Sir – Captain’s Compliments…”

“Now…?” the TASO asked the Captain’s “Doggy”.

“After “Both Watches”, Sir…” the Captain’s “Doggy” said – then he looked at me and said: “You too, Sir…”

30 minutes later – we knocked on the Captain’s Cabin.

“Come in…” the Captain shouted from inside.

We entered – and saluted the Captain.

The Captain shouted at us: “What’s this bloody bilge you are spreading around…?”

We remained silent.

The Captain looked at the TASO and said: “Well – I would love to go on a diplomatic assignment – but – I am going nowhere – I am here to stay as your Captain – whether you like it or not…”

“Sir – we wanted to expose your “spy” in the wardroom…” the TASO said.

“What…? “Spy” in the Wardroom…?” the Captain said.

“Yes, Sir – you seem to know everything that goes on in the wardroom – so we knew you that had a “spy” who was ratting on us…” I said.

“And you have found out who my “spy” is…?” the Captain said.

“Yes, Sir – “Cute Boy” – he was the only other person in the wardroom last night – sitting quietly in the corner watching the late night movie on TV…” the TASO said.

“He was the bloody OOD – it is his job to report things to me…”

“Sir – is he supposed to eavesdrop and come squealing to you…?”

“Shut up…” the Captain said, “Anyway – you buggers leave him alone – he was terrified when he heard the name of the new “Captain” who was going to replace me…”

“Terrified…?”

“You know what happened to him when he was a “Snotty” – don’t you…?”

“No, Sir…”

“I’ll tell you sometime…” the Captain said, “I had half a mind to “log” you buggers – but I’ll let it go this time. Now – stop your bloody antics and get on with your jobs…”

“Aye Aye, Captain…” we said.

Then – we saluted and beat a hasty retreat. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional 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.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

“Sea Dogs” and “Sea Dolls” – Navy Humor

Humor in Uniform

Navy Humor

“SEA DOGS” and “SEA DOLLS”

A Fictional Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Disclaimer:

1. Please read this spoof only if you have a sense of humor. 

2. This article is a fictional 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. 

3. This spoof is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story 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.

“SEA DOGS” and “SEA DOLLS”

The terms “dog” and “doll” are used in a metaphorical sense.

Whenever I want to use slang or unconventional English – I refer to The Concise New Partridge Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English 

In this Slang Dictionary – if you look at the meaning of the word “Doll” – you will see that – one meaning of the word “Doll” is: 

A “Doll” is “a very attractive person of any sex that you may find attractive”.

So – as per this definition: 

A “Sea Doll” is a person who you may find attractive at Sea. 

In short: 

“Sea Doll” is a good looking Naval Officer or Sailor.

And – of course – you know that:

“Sea Dog” means an experienced Naval Officer or Sailor. 

So – Dear Reader – enjoy the spoof on “Sea Dogs” and “Sea Dolls”...

SEA DOGS and SEA DOLLS – A Spoof by Vikram Karve

When I joined the Navy – nore than 42 years ago – in the 1970’s – I observed that there were two types of Naval Officers:

1. Sea Dogs

2. Sea Dolls

Now – before you jump the gun and accuse me of “gender insensitivity” – please note that the term “Sea Doll” is not being used for Women Naval Officers.

When I joined the Navy – there were no Women Naval Officers – except a few “landlubber quack chicks” in the medical branch.

Even today – in India – Women Naval Officers adorn only “soft” shore billets.

A Woman Naval Officer does not have to undergo the tough strenuous ship life of Male Naval Officer on warships at sea.

So – maybe I will have to conjure up some other epithet (without the prefix “sea”) for these “feminine landlubber ladies” in white uniform.

I have digressed – so let me come back to the topic of “Sea Dogs” and “Sea Dolls”.

As a young Naval Officer – I realized that there are Two Navies within the Navy:

1. The “Operational” Navy – comprising all aspects pertaining to warfighting at sea – warships, submarines, aircraft, the dockyards and various frontline units supporting the fleet...

2. The “Ceremonial” Navy – comprising all the “showmanship” activities like parades, fleet reviews, Public Relations (PR) Exercises, “shop windows”, events like navy week and navy ball, public shows, parties, social events et al…

“Sea Dogs” ran the “gristly, gritty and grimy” Operational Navy.

“Sea Dolls” ran the “spick and span” Ceremonial Navy.

“Sea Dogs” were rugged masculine looking men.

In contrast – “Sea Dolls” adorned the “fair and handsome” genteel “metrosexual” look.

Most “Sea Dogs” sported rough and tough “Full Set” Beards.

“Sea Dolls” preferred to have an elegant and pretty “clean-shaven” look.

There were some exceptions.

I have seen some clean-shaven non-bearded “Sea Dogs”.

But – I have never seen a “Sea Doll” with a beard.

Whether bearded or not – “Sea Dogs” preferred the tough natural look – a seaman’s robust grooming and rugged brawny turn out.

“Sea Dolls” were obsessed with maintaining a suave polished appearance and chic glamorous attractive turn out.

“Sea Dogs” were “tough cookies”.

Most “Sea Dogs” had an abrasive personality – like rough and tough sailors.

In stark contrast – “Sea Dolls” were “smooth operators”.

All “Sea Dolls” had a pleasing personality – like slick charming corporate executives.

In earlier days – it was the “Sea Dogs” who dominated the senior ranks in the Navy. 

But – gradually – the tide seems to have turned in favour of the “Sea Dolls”.

I wonder whether the same applies to the Army and Air Force – and what are the Army and Air Force equivalents of “Sea Dogs” and “Sea Dolls”.

By the way – have you read the classic military novel Catch-22...?

Yes...? 

You have read Catch-22...? 

Good. 

Let me give you a metaphorical example from the novel Catch-22.

If “Catch 22” was a Navy Novel: 

A “Sea Dog” would be someone like General Dreedle 

(an archetypal no-nonsense blunt plain-speaking military man) 

and 

A “Sea Doll” would be someone like General Peckem 

 

(a pompous pretentious sycophantic show-off)

If you have read Catch-22 – you will understand what I mean. 

Dear Reader: 

I can go on and on about “Sea Dogs” and “Sea Dolls” till the cows come home.

But – Dear Reader – by now – I am sure you have got the drift.

So – the next time you see a Naval Officer – have some fun and amuse yourself.

Have a good look at the Navy Officer – and try to judge for yourself: 

Is he a tough “Sea Dog”...? 

Or – is he a glamorous “Sea Doll”...?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This blog post is a fictional 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. This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story 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.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

Torpedoed Sunk and Rescued – Three Times in One Hour

BELIEVE IT OR NOT

TORPEDOED SUNK AND RESCUED AT SEA – 3 TIMES IN ONE HOUR  

True Story from World War 1

Retold By

VIKRAM KARVE

Dear Reader: Here is an incredible Navy Story from World War 1

Date: 22 September 1914

Place: North Sea (Atlantic Ocean)

Protagonist: Royal Navy Midshipman WH “Kit” Wykeham-Musgrave (Age 15 Years)

On 22 September 1914 – three Royal Navy Cruisers (of the “Cressy” Class) – HMS Aboukir, HMS Hogue and HMS Cressy – were on patrol in the North Sea when they were discovered by the German Submarine (U-Boat) U9. The German Submarine torpedoed and sank the three ships one by one within a time-span of one hour.

WH “Kit” Wykeham-Musgrave was a Naval Cadet who had just completed his first term at Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. On mobilization for war – he was sent to the fleet (along with his fellow cadets). He was appointed to HMS Aboukir as Midshipman.

When HMS Aboukir was torpedoed – he managed to get off and swim to HMS Hogue.

When HMS Hogue was sunk – he escaped to HMS Cressy.

When HMS Cressy went down – he found himself swimming for his life once again.

All this happened within one hour.

Eventually – after around three hours in water – he was rescued by a Dutch Trawler.  

FIRST SINKING – HMS ABOUKIR

Early in the morning on 22 September 1914 – the German submarine U9 (Commanded by Captain Otto Weddigen) spotted HMS Cressy, HMS Aboukir and HMS Hogue going at a modest speed and failing to zigzag, the classic avoidance technique even at this date for submarine attacks.

At 0625 Hrs (6:25 AM) – the German Submarine torpedoed and sank HMS Aboukir.

Midshipman WH “Kit” Wykeham-Musgrave was serving on HMS Aboukir. Here is an account of his ship being torpedoed in his words:

“…We were streaming line ahead with a distance of three miles between the ships. We (HMS Aboukir) were struck first. I was sleeping below at that time. We were woken up by a terrific crash and the whole ship shook and all the crockery in the pantry fell… we rushed up on deck…she (the ship) then started to list heavily. By that time (HMS) Cressy and Hogue had arrived and had let down their boats. The Aboukir went down suddenly and we slid down her side into the water. Fortunately – there was not a great deal of suction on the side we had jumped off – so with some difficulty – we got clear. I swam to the Hogue…”

SECOND SINKING – HMS HOGUE  

At 0700 Hrs (7 AM) – the German Submarine (U9) torpedoed and sank HMS Hogue (while it was trying to rescue survivors from Aboukir). U9 shot two torpedoes – both hits – and Hogue sank in 3 minutes.

In the words of Midshipman WH “Kit” Wykeham-Musgrave:

“…I swam to the Hogue and was just going on board when she was struck and sank in three minutes. I then swam to the Cressy…”

THIRD SINKING – HMS CRESSY

At 0720 Hrs (7:20 AM) – the German Submarine (U9) shot two torpedoes at Cressy (one of which hit). U9 then shot a third torpedo to sink the struggling Cressy.

Midshipman WH “Kit” Wykeham-Musgrave writes:

“… (after Hogue was sunk ) I swam to the Cressy where I was hauled up the side with a rope. I went down to the Sick Bay where I had a cup of cocoa – but directly I had finished – she (Cressy) was struck also – and we were forced to go up on deck again. We sat on the fo’c’sle and we saw a submarine come as close as 200 or 300 yards off and we fired all the guns at her until we sank. I jumped off again and got clear – and after swimming for a long time – I found a plank to hang on to. I hung on to it – until I was picked up having been three hours in water. I don’t remember being picked up as I was unconscious. But – I woke up in the trawler Titan which was Dutch…(Later)…We were taken off on a destroyer called the Lucifer which took us to Harwich…”

He concludes: “It was a perfect miracle how I was saved since only 50 out of 800 of our crew were saved…”

(From the three ships which were torpedoed and sunk – – HMS Aboukir, HMS Hogue and HMS Cressy – of the 2296 men on board the three vessels – only 837 were rescued)

Among the 1500 who lost their lives were around a score (20) of young Midshipmen of Wykeham-Musgrave’s age (15) – “Winston’s Water Babies” – as they were dubbed – with more than a hint of criticism of the First Lord of the Admiralty (Winston Churchill) rashness in allowing so many young lives to be put at risk.

As far as Midshipman Wykeham-Musgrave was concerned – his later Naval Career was more fortunate – he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander – and survived till the age of 90.

Midshipman WH “Kit” Wykeham-Musgrave must surely be one of the luckiest men in the Royal Navy in World War One (WW1) – torpedoed and sunk 3 times in one hour – on 3 different ships – yet he survived.

References:

1. The Imperial War Museum Book of the First World War (pp 93-94)

2. Bizarre History Blog – Sunk Three Times in an Hour

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
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Navy Customs and Traditions – Part 2 – “Show a Leg”

Navy Customs and Traditions – Part 2 – “SHOW A LEG” 

Continued from: 

Navy Customs and Traditions – Part 1 – “IMPRESSMENT” – “PRESS GANG” – “SHANGHAI” (url: http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2018/11/navy-customs-and-traditions-part-1.html )

“SHOW A LEG” 

The “Old Navy” – Customs and Traditions – Part 2

By

VIKRAM KARVE

WAKE UP CALL 

If you were a sailor on a sailing ship in the British Royal Navy around 300 years ago in the 1700’s (and later – in the 1800’s) – early in the morning – you would be woken up from your sleep by the sound of the shrill Bosun’s Pipe followed by the Navy “Wake Up Call”:

“Heave Out – Heave Out – Heave Out – Away…!!!

Come On – All You Sleepers – Hey…!!!

Show a Leg and Put a Stocking on it…”

You would in deep sleep in your hammock covered from head to toe under a blanket.

On hearing the “Wake Up Call” – you would have to stick your leg out from under the blanket for the Bosun’s Mate to see.

If the leg you showed was hairless, smooth, soft and fleshy – revealing that you were a woman – the Bosun’s Mate would leave you alone and let you sleep.

But – if the leg you showed was hairy and muscular with tattoos – indicating that you were a man – then – you would be given a hard “shake up” – and – you would be asked to “shake a leg” – “put a stocking on it” (wear your working dress uniform) – and hurry up to join the morning work routine of the ship.

WOMEN ON SHIPS

Yes – those days – in the 1700’s and 1800’s – women were allowed on ships.

No – women did not serve as crew on ships.

But – women were carried on board ships as “passengers”.

And since – on warships – there was no separate accommodation for women – women would be accommodated in Officers’ Wardrooms or Sailors’ Messes – depending on their “status”.

Those days – ships were the only medium of transportation from Britain to distant colonies of the British Empire – so – many women took passage on sailing ships (passenger steamships came much later).

Most of these women “passengers” on sailing ships were wives/daughters of British Civil/Military Officials and Traders who had settled down in distant British colonies – and – also “Fishing Fleet” Girls who were travelling to India and other Colonies to find a suitable husband from the British Colonial Civil/Military Officers serving there.

(There is a fascinating “journal” written by Eliza Bunt, widow of British Boatswain (Bosun) John Bunt of Trincomalee Naval Dockyard (Ceylon – now Sri Lanka), describing her sea journey from the Port of Trincomalee (Ceylon) to Spithead, the Naval Anchorage of Portsmouth Harbour (England), on Royal Navy Ship HMS Trincomalee – the journey home took more than 6 months (from October 27, 1818 to April 3, 1819) via the Cape of Good Hope with 4 stops enroute at Port Louis, Simons Bay, St Helena and Azores for replenishing stores and embarking/disembarking people)

Women were permitted on ships for other reasons too.

During the days of Impressment or Press Gangs – when men were taken forcibly from the streets and “pressed” into service – shore leave was impossible – lest the men desert ship and run away.

So – as recompense – women were sometimes allowed to visit – and – it is said that – at Spithead – the Naval Anchorage off Portsmouth – as many as 500 women might be entertained aboard one ship.

Naturally – after the night-long “orgy” – in the mornings – when work was begun – there existed some confusion as to who was sleeping in which bunks – and – the Petty Officers’ way of sorting this out was to shout: “Show a Leg”

Those with soft and curvy legs (women) could stay where they were – but – those with hairy legs (men) were kicked out of bed and told to get on with work…!!!

(Of course – the lucky “metrosexual” men with soft smooth legs could manage an extra wink of sleep…!)

Also – before 1840 – when the rules were fairly lax – sailors were sometimes permitted to take their wife/girlfriend along with them during sailing on the high seas.

While the sailors were expected to report for duty early in the morning – the wives/girlfriends were allowed to sleep on in their hammocks in the quarters down below.

In order to ensure that a lazy sailor was not sleeping downstairs – an Officer, Midshipman or Petty Officer went down below decks to check the sailors’ mess quarters.  

Whenever the Officer came across someone sleeping – and he wasn’t really sure if it was a man or a woman under the covers – he used to shout “show a leg”.

The person under the blanket had to stick his/her leg out.

If the leg that emerged looked like that of a woman’s – she was allowed to sleep.

But – if the leg looked like that of a man’s – the Officer would shout “shake a leg” – meaning – the man was asked to get out of bed and report for duty.

So originally – when someone asked you to show a leg – all you had to do was to show him your leg.

Around 1840 – regulations in the Navy were changed – and – women were no longer permitted to accompany men on sailing ships.

But – the expressions “show a leg” and “shake a leg” continued to be used – and – as time went on – these naval idioms became a part of everyday navy jargon as well.

SHOW A LEG

Now – the Indian Navy is contemplating having Women Sailors on board ships.

Will the Women Sailors be given a “Gender Privilege” of sleeping a bit extra in the mornings by “showing their legs” – or – like their male counterparts – will they be asked to “shake a leg” and get going to work…? 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

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

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)