Naval Traditions and Culture

Naval traditions and culture encompass a wide range of activities, events, and objects, often unique to naval service. Some, like the "crossing the line" (meaning, the equator) ceremony, are old and well-established, while others, such as gun shield art, related directly to Second World War experiences. Many reflect companionship, commemoration, recreation, or esprit de corps.

Royal Canadian Navy Rum

This bottle held rum specially distilled for the Royal Canadian Navy.

Rum, and the ceremonies and customs associated with it, hold a prominent place in naval traditions. The Royal Canadian Navy derived its practice of issuing a rum ration from Britain's Royal Navy, which had long issued a daily "tot" of "grog" (rum diluted with water) to its sailors. In Canadian service, the issue of the "tot" ended in 1972.

Rum Bottle
CWM 19830632-029