Naval Hammocks - Photo Diary and, First Bridge Design?

[dejoha]

My wife and I just finished watching the Horatio Hornblower series by A&E and I was intrigued by the hammocks used on the ships. Two distinct styles were displayed: the common gathered-end hammock and a bridge style I hadn't seen before.

http://lrrpublic.cli.det.nsw.edu.au/...11156_text.htm



I did a little more research and found that these hammocks were common with officers where the sailors used the gathered end. The gathered-end hammocks were also tied up (with bedding inside) using 7 half-hitches (referring to the 7 seas) and used during war time to help shield against splintering wood ("Lash and Stow!").





I'm intrigued by the bridge style hammock and I'm considering making one. The design seems solid and should sleep fairly flat.

Here are some other images from ship-board hammocks; a tradition brought to Europe from Columbus, who discovered the hammock on his little voyage to the Americas.



This image shows some gathered end hammocks, but the occupants are sleeping inline and, arguably, flat. It looks like the ropes gathering the ends have been modified to allow for this.

Instructions for making a Royal Navy Hammock.



Apparently the appropriate name for hammock suspension is "clew" -- a term used/borrowed from sailing ships but was used when referring to hammock ropes.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...f/DSCN2593.jpg

[CrazyMike]

Being a former member of the US Navy, I find this as well as all naval 'traditions' very interesting. I hope you will document your efforts well as I will be following this post closely.

Thank you for your efforts.

[raiffnuke]

Being a former member of the US Navy, I find this as well as all naval 'traditions' very interesting. I hope you will document your efforts well as I will be following this post closely.

Thank you for your efforts.

+1. Thank you for that bit of history.

[Fish<><]

I recently took interest in my naval history, especially the hammock part. Being an active duty sailor, I have been thinking of a way to take my hammock with me on my next deployment...old school...maybe a little, but since I will be livin it up on a supply ship with only one other berthmate, hopefully I won't have an issue with it. On another note, I too will be following this thread closely since it ties two parts of my life together. Thank you for doing this dejoha, and keep us posted.

[islander]

Here's a few photos I found fairly fast looking around. Me, a U.S. Navy retired Submariner.

[Full_timer]

Great post. As a modern sailor I am amazed that my fellow sailors have descended to sleeping in bunks. When I lived aboard I, sadly, hadn't discovered hanging. Although, when I visited the H.M.S. Victory, if I remember correctly, in England I do remember seeing hammocks and didn't get the message. Silly me, I was 14 or 15 back then. I remember thinking why would anyone want to sleep in that little strip of canvas? All those lost years of hanging. Seeing those tiny canvas hammocks was probably my first exposure to the concept of people sleeping in a hammock instead of a bed. I thought it was a space consideration and never dreamed how much more comfortable it might be. Live and learn.

Andy

[Cannibal]

Back in the days when the Jacks were still developing their bridge design, I remember someone posting pictures similar to these (if not the same). I was intrigued then and remain so. I would have made a good pirate; love hammocks and have more than a passing crush on rum.

[Fish<><]

+1 on making a good pirate (except my horrible conscious) and i do enjoy my rum.

[Riverpirate]

There is more to pirates that hammocks and rum but those probably are the best parts.

[Cali]

Thank you Dehoja, this was very interesting, in deed.