Thread: Help.....I can't decide

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

My wife and I used to visit the Victory whenever we visited with a friend in Southampton, many years ago now. I remember the first time on board, and seeing the brass memorial plaque on the deck. It was set into the timber.

There was a guy who was meant to give tours, but we were the only people that day so he just let us wander about. He saw us looking at the plaque and came over. I couldn't resist pointing at it, hoping he would say the right words - ie, read out the words inscribed on it. He obliged me by intoning in a sombre voice "Here Nelson Fell."

When I told him I wasn't surprised, I had just tripped on it too he just looked at me. The wife was no help and I wilted a bit under the combined, withering stares. No sense of humour, some people.

Regards,
Neil

Yes, I remember that, as well as the little museum on the grounds, where they had the Nelson's uniform he was wearing when the sniper shot him. You could see the bullet hole in the shoulder area and still some dried blood. Is the museum even still there?

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Could have been, Dave. Personally, I think he was so straight faced because he had had to listen to that joke about a million times...!

That may well have been a contributing factor lol

Originally Posted by Phrank

Yes, I remember that, as well as the little museum on the grounds, where they had the Nelson's uniform he was wearing when the sniper shot him. You could see the bullet hole in the shoulder area and still some dried blood. Is the museum even still there?

When the wife was there all the uniforms etc were moved to the appropriate locations on the ship. The uniform you're talking about is hidden away somewhere in London now but the replica is in the great cabin along with an altogether inappropriate rendering of Nelson himself. I think there's a photograph of me with the model/statue of him somewhere.

They were grand days when she worked there. If I was on leave I was generally to be found in the wardroom or some other out of the way part of the ship. A beautiful structure that narrowly avoided being scrapped. It was a sad day when she left but onto pastures new we must go. They no longer have the grizzled old sailors taking tours around. I think they have youngsters stood at various points to direct but they know very little of the ship or it's history. Oh, and I mustn't forget the tacky gift shop at the exit. It's sad.

I've also seen a restored Celebrated Hollow Ground on da bay. They look very nice. Seller was asking £320 for it. It may be I just had the deal of the day with that one

I'm not being funny guys, I had a couple of months off the razor hunting (preparing nursery and buying large baby items) but RAD is back with a vengeance. I'm worried for my health

Originally Posted by DaveTheGeordie

No, there was rum. It was in a large clear bottle with a little dymo label saying RUM. Nothing else at all on it. Lethal stuff, not the faintest how strong it was.

The captain was quite forgiving of my lack of navy mess etiquette, not one port fine imposed although I'm sure many were incurred. I take it you were a matlot?

If it was Pusser issue rum it would have been lethal stuff, at least if it was similar to what we got at up spirits/tot time. It would take your breath away if you weren't used to it and managed to do it neat. Was a reserve matlot or Shad as the regs called us then. Also, like you, managed to escape Captains Defaulters with a few close calls. Had a lot of fun joined for the make and mends not recommends.

Bob

Bob - is the Pussers (or Nelson's Blood as they call it) any different to that the public can buy?

I find it delicious, but expensive in the ceramic decanters, although I am partaking of Kraken at the moment.

For any who don't know the kraken was an outrageously large cephalopod, a giant octopus descibed by Norwegian and American whalers that could pull a ship and its crew to tbeir doom deep under the briney.

Regards,
Neil

Neil

I really don't think it is the same but am not certain. I was given to understand it was very high proof. Stroh 80 rum came close though IIRC. It is stronger than the regular Bacardi or Lambs we get here. It has been a long time, the RCN buried the tot/ceased issue in early 1972. We were on the then Governor General Roland Mitchener's tour when the rum issue ended but he did manage to order a splice the mainbrace on parting, bless him.

Bob