The British Navy, 1790s

Question 1

Were always in big battles

Answer 1

Only purpose wasn’t war.
Kept British economy stable.
Hunted pirates & disrupted supply/merchant ships.
Captured ships and sold possession - prize money split between captain + crew.
Incentives of riches to work hard and be a good crew mate.

Question 2

Patriotism

Answer 2

Many sailors weren’t patriotic.
Worked for potential of personal gain, not morale duty. Didn’t need British passport, navy consisted of 17 different nationalities.

Question 3

Navy Food Supply

Answer 3

Thought to be half-starved, eating moldy food.
Each soldier had 3000-4000kcal a day and a lime to prevent scurvy.
High protein diets.
Soldiers divided into mess’ with a personal chef.

Question 4

Overbearing Officers

Answer 4

Thought officers abused their power.
Floggings & punishments for theft/drunkenness.
Captains put welfare of troops first.
Troops often rewarded.
fewer than 1/20 sailors were flogged.

Question 5

Press Gangs

Answer 5

Thought press gangs abducted men off streets.
Actually looked for experienced seaman.
Never a shortage of volunteers..

Question 6

Only Men on Ships?

Answer 6

Thought women weren’t allowed.
HMS Goliath, Battle of the Nile, 100 women on the ship.
Women boosted mens morale.