Naval tradition

This was historically used to mark the passage of time on board a vessel, including the duration of four-hour watches.

In spite of these views, some women did serve on board naval vessels, usually as wives of crewmembers.

[citation needed] The custom of firing cannon salutes originated in the British Royal Navy.

The British, as the dominant naval power, compelled the ships of weaker nations to make the first salute.

In June 2005, to mark the bi-centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar, 167 ships of the RN, and 30 other nations, were present at a fleet review.

Nicknames for a British sailor, applied by others, include Matelot (pronounced "matlow"), and Limey – mainly redundant in use within the Royal Navy.