Culdrose Splices the Mainbrace

Following the direction of Her Majesty The Queen to ‘splice the mainbrace’, the men and women of Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose today celebrated their efforts during the Diamond Jubilee: with a tot of rum.

Over the course of the day, sailors of an eligible age from across the station will gather in their respective messes at lunch and after work to toast the Queen. Those on the station lucky enough to be under the age of 18, or personnel required for duty will be given a non alcoholic alternative.

The honour, a tradition conferred by the Monarch at or after victory in battle, the change of a Monarch, a Royal birth, a Royal wedding or an inspection of the Fleet; recognises the central role played by the ‘Senior Service’ over the course of this year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. In a personal message to the Naval Service, Her Majesty said:

“Please convey my warm thanks to all those who serve in the Royal Navy for their kind message of loyal greetings, sent on the occasion of my official birthday and the 60th anniversary of my accession to the throne.

“In this Diamond Jubilee year, Prince Philip and I send our good wishes to you all. Splice the mainbrace.”