Black Tot Day Live Toast: RNRMC on HMS Victory

COMMEMORATE 50 YEARS SINCE THE CESSATION OF THE DAILY RUM RATION AND HELP US CONTINUE TO SUPPORT SAILORS, MARINES AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR LIFE

We are asking supporters to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Black Tot Day with the RNRMC. "UP SPIRITS" was the call for those in the Royal Navy to muster for their daily issue of rum. This was a chance for sailors to come together daily and connect with one another. 2020 has presented many challenges where the act of ‘coming together’ could not be more relevant and needed.

Join us as we celebrate and commemorate this poignant anniversary on Black Tot Day and take part in our end-of-year campaign: Lifting Up Spirits

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BLACK TOT DAY 50TH ANNIVERSARY | 31 JULY 2020

On 31 July 1970, sailors in the Royal Navy were issued with their final daily ration of rum (the daily tot), ending a tradition of more than 300 years. This day became known as ‘Black Tot Day.’

Some sailors wore black armbands, tots were 'buried at sea' and in one naval training base, there was a mock funeral procession complete with black coffin and accompanying drummers and piper.

Schedule of Events

Friday, 31 July

HOST YOUR OWN VIRTUAL ‘UP-SPIRITS’ PARTY

FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A PUSSER’S GIFT

Why not host your own virtual 'Up-Spirits' party to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Black Tot Day?

Sign up and receive our sea shanty song list and sing along with Royal Navy veteran and folk-musician Shep Woolley to help you recreate the celebrations in your own home.

Check out the RNRMC YouTube Channel to watch Shep Woolley's Sea Shanty sing-along.

Help us spread the word by posting videos and pictures of your virtual ‘up-spirits' party on social media. Tag @RNRMC and use the hashtag #UpSpirits