Royal New Zealand Naval Association Inc.

This Week in Naval History

• 16 August 1861 The Moorsom percussion fuse introduced into Royal Naval service.
• 17 August 1882 men of a Naval Brigade are landed at Alexnadira to suppress rioting. They deploy Gatling Guns which has the desired effect of "curbing the native's enthusiasm for mischief "
• 18 August 1915 the badly damaged British submarine E13 is stranded on the Danish coast after engaging with the German navy. The vessel is interned and sold off in 1919 one of the very few British naval vessels to have met this fate.
• 19 August 1943 HMNZS Tui sinks Japanese submarine I-17 with the assistance of USN aircraft.
• 20 August 1940 SS Turakina sunk by the German raider Orion 300nm off Cape Egmont
• 21 August 1740 Admiral Vernon known as 'Old Grog' ordered the rum issued to the sailors to be watered down. 
• 22 August 1918 HMS Hood is launched on the Clyde. It is named for Rear-Admiral Sir Horace Hood who was killed at the Battle of Jutland. He was one of three RN flag officers to be killed in action during the First World War.

Did You Know?

Sheer Nasty - the old naval slang for the Medway town of Sheerness. After the Dutch navy raided the Medway in 1667 a naval dockyard was ordered to be built there. Sheerness was often called "the last place God made" and a very hasty job at that.
Fairway - this golfing term has its origins in naval language. It means the clear passage into a harbour, port or river, where there are no hazards and obstacles. It seems that Golf didn't take this term up until the early 20th century.