The functions and capabilities of the 20th Century Dockyard evolved from centuries of development. As the requirements and technology of the Royal Navy progresssed from sail to steam to diesel and gas-turbine propulsion, so to did the Dockyard crafts develop - frequently blazing the trail of industrial revolution. But the Dockyards also furnished logistic support to the ships - both naval stores (ropes, sails, pumps, weaponry, etc) and victualling stores - food, beer, water, etc. So, in addition to great storehouses, the Dockyard established Slaughter Houses, Breweries, etc, and a Cooperage to supply the storage barrels.
On this page we aim to provide an insight as to how these various functions developed.
In the mid- 1950's, Mr Edward Curphey, CBE, RCNC, wrote a series of articles for the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors' Journal entitled "Chips from a Portsmouth Basket". He had recently retired from the position of Deputy Director (Dockyards), having previously served at Portsmouth Dockyard during World War II as a Chief Constructor. The articles are based both on extensive research of historical documents and his personal experience, proving in total a comprehensive view of the Dockard from a mid- 20th century perspective.
They have been recently digitised and are available at the following links:
Chips 1 - Origin of the term "Chips" - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_1.pdf
Chips 2 - Beer - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_2.pdf
Chips 3 - Dogs in the Yard - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_3.pdf
Chips 4 - The Dockyard Regiment - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_4.pdf
Chips 5 - Royalty and Portsmouth - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_5.pdf
Chips 6 - Payment of Wages - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_6.pdf
Chips 7 - Cycling and Smoking in the Yard - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_7.pdf
Chips 8 - Visitors to the Yard - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_8.pdf
Chips 9 - Outside Associations - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_9.pdf
Chips 10 - Guarding and Policing the Yard - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_10.pdf
Chips 11 - Dockyard Pensions - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_11.pdf
Chips 12 - Master Attendants and their Successors - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_12.pdf
Chips 13 - Whitleyism and Petitions - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_13.pdf
Chips 14 - Armament Supply - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_14.pdf
Chips 15 - Electrics - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_15.pdf
Chips 16 - Storekeepers - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_16.pdf
Chips 17 - The Civil Engineers - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_17.pdf
Chips 18 - Torpedo Depots - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_18.pdf
Chips 19 - Admiralty Chemist - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_19.pdf
Chips 20 - Master Shipwrights and their Staffs - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_20.pdf
Chips 21 - The Engineers - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_21.pdf
Chips 22 - Commissioners and Superintendents - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_22.pdf
Chips 23 - Other Yard Officers - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_23.pdf
Chips 24 - Royal Naval Academy - http://portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/images/uploads/documents/Chips_24.pdf