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.

Jam Session at Sea, Seamen's Mess

Tom Wood's watercolour depicts a jam session at sea shortly after the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Set in a crowded mess deck, where sailors, slept, ate, and lived, the painting shows a harmonica player, piano player, and drummer striking up a tune while messmates look on or go about other activities. Many of Wood's paintings feature the daily lives and activities of sailors, both afloat and ashore, and some include music as a form of entertainment or recreation.

Jam Session at Sea, Seamen's Mess
Painted by Tom Wood in 1945
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4876