Sailors in the 1900s

In the early 1900s, Russian sailors fought in the Russo-Japanese War.

Sailors in the early 1900s witnessed naval technology progress from depending on catching the wind with sails to steam-powered vessels. At the time, the operation of ships relied on the brute strength of the ship's sailors. Ship technology advanced even further as the 1900s continued, until the point where machines were able to perform many of the ships' operations in the latter half of the 20th century.

Clothes

Sailor clothing, or sailor's dresses, was similar to garbs in the 18th and 19th centuries. The primary article of clothing for English and American sailors during this period was sailor suits. Although some sailor suits were white, most were navy blue. Sailor suits consisted of pants and V-neck long-sleeved shirts. Sailors would also wear sailor hats. Liberty cuffs -- embroidered patches sewn inside the cuffs of a sailor's uniform -- also emerged in the 1900s.

Recreation

Life at sea became monotonous at times and a sailor's options for recreation were limited. While working, sailors often sang work songs known as sea shanties. Although sea shanties kept the sailors entertained, the rhythm of the songs helped synchronize the movements of sailors as they worked on daily tasks. Sailors also etched tattoos on their bodies. Tattoos served as badges of honor. One common tattoo among sailors was an anchor, which usually indicated they had crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

Duties

Sailors had various duties, depending on the type of ship. For luxury cruises and merchant vessels, sailors fed the ship's furnace with coal to muster enough steam to keep the ship running on the water. Sailors were also responsible for making sure ships were clean and dropping anchors when the ship wanted to stop. On military vessels, many sailors were called to arms and served in an infantry position when necessary. The advancement of cannon weaponry and the inclusion of the Marines lessened the need for sailors to perform infantry duties.

Wars

The beginning of the century pitted the Allied Powers -- United States, France and Great Britain -- and Central Powers -- Austria-Hungary, Germany and Ottoman Empire -- against each other in World War I. Many World War I naval battles occurred in the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea. Sailors took part in naval action throughout the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean during World War II. D-Day, or the Normandy Invasion, involved British and American naval vessels attacking German-occupied France in 1944. Other wars with naval forces were the Russo-Japanese War, Korean War, Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War.

References

• Navy Data Processor's Association; Navy Dress Blues, "Tailor-mades" and "Liberty Cuffs"; Daniel D. Smith
• Archives and Collections Society: Sea Shanties
• Naval History & Heritage Command; Sailors as Infantry in the U.S. Navy; Patrick H. Roth; October 2005
• Naval History & Heritage Command: Normandy Invasion, June 1944 Overview and Special Image Selection