Customs and traditions of the Royal Navy

The official process for creating the badge was initiated by Charles ffoulkes after World War I who was appointed as the Admiralty Advisor on Heraldry.

All shore establishments fly only the White Ensign.HM ships, when lying in home ports and roads, are to hoist their colours at 0800 from 15th February to 31st October, inclusive, and at 0900 from 1st November to 14th February inclusive, but when abroad, at 0800 or 0900 as the Commander in Chief shall direct;[3] The lowering ceremony is referred to as "Sunset" or "Evening Colours" if sunset occurs after 2100.

At the Britannia Royal Naval College, the "Lord High Admiral's Divisions" is a parade held in the presence of the monarch or his representative.

[6] A signal made boatswain's call which brings a ship's company to attention, especially for the "Colours" ceremony or when saluting a passing warship.

For example, at the most recent Review on 28 June 2005 to mark the bi-centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, 167 ships of the RN, and 30 other nations, were present.

The Naval salute was a sign of respect, with Officers doffing their caps and seamen touching their forelock or knuckling their forehead.

Therefore, the modern salute, with the hand at 45 degrees, palm facing in, was adopted, and was more in keeping with actions of the Army.

It is said that the reason the palm faces in is that sailors' hands were covered in tar from the sheets and rigging and it was considered unseemly to show an officer or a member of the Royal family a dirty palm; however, it is more likely that it was a natural development from the actions of raising a cap or touching forelock.

"But the standing toast, that pleased the most was, to the wind that blows the ship that goes, and the lass that loves a sailor" – Charles Dibdin (1740–1814).

This was a special dispensation granted by William IV, who had narrowly missed cracking his head several times on low deckheads when serving in the Royal Navy.

There were, however, a number of vessels named after places during World War II after schools, cadet units and charities.

[10] Uckers is a two or four player board game similar to Ludo that is traditionally played in the Royal Navy.

Euchre, pronounced you-ker, is a card game also played on board ships, in naval establishments and also in pubs in Cornwall and Devon.

There are several songs that are commonly associated with the Royal Navy including "Heart of Oak" (the official quick march) and "Rule, Britannia!".