1970: Black Tot Day (End of the Royal Navy Rum Ration)

On 31 July 1970, ITN's Peter Sissons reported from HMS Albion in Portsmouth Harbour as sailors drank their last ration – or "tot" – of rum.

Sailors in the Royal Navy had been given a daily ration of rum for 239 years, though the quantity had reduced over time. Finally, in 1970, the tot was scrapped altogether – partly to save money, partly to modernise the Royal Navy.

Junior rates lost their rum ration entirely, Petty officers, however, were still allowed to drink spirits at lunchtime – a policy which, as Peter Sissons found out, was causing some disquiet in the ranks...

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