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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 too 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 The articles are based both on extensive research of historical documents and his personal experience, proving in total a comprehensive view of the Dockard from a mid- 20th century perspective.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" - read
Chips 2 - BEER - read
Chips 3 - DOGS IN THE YARD - read
Chips 4 - THE DOCKYARD REGIMENT - read
Chips 5 - ROYALTY AND PORTSMOUTH - read
Chips 6 - PAYMENT OF WAGES - read
Chips 7 - CYCLING AND SMOKING IN THE YARD - read
Chips 8 - VISITORS TO THE YARD - read
Chips 9 - OUTSIDE ASSOCIATIONS - read
Chips 10 - GUARDING AND POLICING THE YARD - read
Chips 11 - DOCKYARD PENSIONS - read
Chips 12 - MASTER ATTENDANTS AND THEIR SUCCESSORS - read
Chips 13 - WHITLEYISM AND PETITIONS - read
Chips 14 - ARMAMENT SUPPLY - read
Chips 15 - ELECTRICS - read
Chips 16 - STOREKEEPERS - read
Chips 17 - THE CIVIL ENGINEERS - read
Chips 18 - TORPEDO DEPOTS - read
Chips 19 - ADMIRALTY CHEMIST - read
Chips 20- MASTER SHIPWRIGHTS AND THEIR STAFFS - read
Chips 21- THE ENGINEERS - read
Chips 22- COMMISSIONERS AND SUPERINTENDENTS - read
Chips 23- OTHER YARD OFFICERS - read
Chips 24- ROYAL NAVAL ACADEMY - read