Why was the British navy so dominant?
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The navy was particularly popular because it could not march up Whitehall and seize control of the government. The navy could only protect England, not coerce it. By the 18th century, the British rejoiced as their navy delivered victory after victory, and conveniently ignored the odd defeat.
Why do sailors drink gin?
Historically, it was believed that gin would be able to fight off diseases like malaria and scurvy. Gin was mainly for officers, while sailors were given rum. Here they can be seen crowded round the wooden and brass barrel awaiting their daily issue during the ‘up spirits’ ceremony.
How long did Britain rule the waves?
Britain also proved at last able to safeguard the seas around its shores, because for two centuries after 1485, in stark contrast to the preceding period, no maritime invasion managed to overthrow an English monarch.
What is the oldest navy in the world?
the Portuguese Navy
On 12 December 2017, the Portuguese Navy commemorated the 700th anniversary of its official creation by King Denis of Portugal. Tracing its origins back to the 12th century, it is the oldest continuously serving navy in the world.
Why is navy rum so strong?
Rum and gin were staples on-board Royal Navy ships. Ensuring the high strength of the alcohol not only protected the navy from being overcharged for watered-down rum but also ensured rum-soaked gunpowder remained explosive.
Often the gin was stored below deck adjacent to the gunpowder and if it was spilt onto the gunpowder and it smoked, the gin had been diluted. Only if the gunpowder still lit was the gin at least 114 proof (or 57\% ABV). And so it became known as Navy Strength.
The Royal Navy continued to be the world’s most powerful navy well into the 20th century. During World War I its main mission was the protection of shipping from submarine attack. Naval aviation was established by the British during that war, and the Fleet Air Arm was given control of all ship-borne aircraft in 1937.
What happened to HMS Rodney?
The ship covered the invasions of Sicily (Operation Husky) and Italy (Operation Baytown) in mid-1943. The ship escorted one convoy through the Arctic to the Soviet Union in late 1944. In poor condition from extremely heavy use and a lack of refits, she was reduced to reserve in late 1945 and was scrapped in 1948.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYgxb5KyXng