Away from Britannia's grand cabins and rooms designed for entertaining distinguished guests there are all the 'working' parts of the yacht, and they are just as interesting to look round. Above is the laundry which must have been a place of frenetic activity when the ship had its full complement of passengers and crew, and a very hot environment in which to work, especially when sailing in the Tropics. Apparently, on occasion the Admiral would have to change his uniform up to twelve times a day, while other crew members and the bandsmen of the Royal Marines often wore whites which had to be spotless, of course. Seeing all these enormous washing machines, dryers and pieces of specialist ironing equipment makes doing the domestic laundry seem like child's play.
Here is the sick bay, the operating theatre at top, and the doctor's office. My uncle was not surprised to see the blanket on the bed is the same pattern as that used when he served as a young man. Although Britannia was designed to be converted into a hospital ship in times of war, we were told that in normal course of events, the crew were expected not to need much in the way of medical attention but 'just to get on with things'.
I love seeing stuff like this! Thanks, Karen. It is a reminder of just how much "work" it took to keep things going, and what a large number of support staff that must have been required.
Posted by: Nancy | 13 June 2012 at 10:40 PM
My husband, too, served on the Britannia and tells me he slept in that very bed between Panama and Bermuda due to a football injury following a match betwen the Britannia and the American Air Force!
Posted by: Lizziemac | 13 June 2012 at 11:01 PM
Yes, the scale of operations, when the Queen was on board and on an official visit, say, must have been enormous, and it shows in the attention to detail on the ship. It's very impressive on so many levels.
Posted by: Cornflower | 14 June 2012 at 09:20 AM
My goodness! Was the Lucozade there then, I wonder.
Posted by: Cornflower | 14 June 2012 at 09:23 AM