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Catalogue number 123027 Egg race on a U.S. Navy ship Here is an egg and spoon race, if you drop the egg, you are eliminated. Stamp box indicates photograph from 1904-1918. 8cm x 12.9cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 109059 Pie-eating competition With hands tied behind the back, these American sailors are taking part in a pie-eating competition. I suppose the winner is the first one to eat all the pie. 12.8cm x 7.7cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 124123 Blindfold boxing match Four American sailors are amusing officers and men on this ship - it doesn’t look like a warship - with a blindfold boxing match. They have a glove on the right hand and what looks like a mug in the left hand. Note the band instruments to port of the open hatch. 13.8cm x 7.8cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 33130 Wheelbarrow race A wheelbarrow race has been organised on the battleship USS Pennsylvania. The course has been roped off and there are many spectators. The technique used by the participants varies, from left to right, the 1st and 4th participants hold the partner by his ankles whereas the 2nd and 3rd have their partners' legs firmly held under the arms so as to be able to run faster. The participants are not all the same size too, see the 3rd and 4th teams. Verso: “USS Pennsylvania” in light pencil 13.1cm x 8.1cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 115089 German navy games Men on this German warship have to race through a canvas tunnel much to the delight of onlookers who include some young boys and adult visitors. 13.7cm x 8.8cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 116082 The greased pole, U.S. Navy version Not an easy task, climbing a greased pole. Recto: “Climbing “greased pole”. U.S.S. Tennessee. July 4, 1910.” 7.8cm x 13.1cm Matt gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 112074 The greased pole, French Navy version A similar greased pole game on a French battleship, the aim seems to be to touch the ring around the top of the pole. Verso: Text in French from a sailor in Toulon to his parents, 1922. 12.1cm x 8cm Photograph

Catalogue number 114023 A question of technique A great classic, the sack race on a U.S. Navy battleship, the sailor in front has a good technique with his feet in the corners of the sack whilst the last man has fallen over. 13.1 x 8cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 117006 Bingo on board ! Recreation can also be less vigorous. Here a game of loto or bingo is going on whilst some sailors are dancing in the background and ladies and children look on. Recto: “Sunday on board - A game of loto” Verso: Postcard sent in 1910 to a young French lady 13.9cm x 9cm Printed image

Catalogue number 02035 Dancing A regular feature during recreation was dancing and here we can see German sailors dancing to a small band - mouth organ, accordion, snare drum and a homemade bass. Note the boy sailor just left of center. Recto: “Our Marine, with dance and play” in German Verso: Sent by a German sailor on S.M.S. Kaiser to a friend in Kiel, franked 1917. In German and in black ink. 8.8cm x 13.7cm Printed image

Catalogue number 108044 The Ocean Ballroom! It looks like Petty officers and seamen are having a dance on “The Ocean Ballroom”, H.M.S. Renown. It may seem funny now but at the time (mid-30s) it was important to know how to dance at social events ashore. Note the gun turret vents on the far right. Verso: “HMS Renown” in thick pencil 12cm x 7.8cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 22005 Reception for the Admiral's daughter, 1 I seem to remember having seen a comment that these two photographs were taken on the quarter deck of the French cruiser Jules Michelet during a birthday party for the daughter of the Admiral. 13.7cm x 8.8cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 95030 Reception for the Admiral's daughter, 2 A very distinguished group of navy and army officers (one of whom is covered in medals, far right) are accompanied by men in morning dress and women in all their finery. 13.6cm x 8.7cm Gelatin silver print.

Catalogue number 46102 A Banyan The banyan, a special naval party ashore, often in an isolated spot. It was the occasion to relax and have a good time. Here part of the crew of H.M.S. Hibiscus is ashore at Samsun on the Turkish coast of the Black Sea. Verso: “Picnic party at Samsoun” in blue ink 13.5cm x 9cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 125105 H.M.S. Medway, Malta A Banyan could also be more sedate event as is shown here. A mixed group of officers, sailors with men, women and children enjoy a cup of tea ashore. 13.8cm x 8.6cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 35062 Concert party Officers and men are watching an acting scene on the French seaplane carrier Foudre during the First World War. Theatrical performances, especially in the Royal Navy, were often very professional affairs. Recto: “Part of the concert on board the Foudre” in French and in black ink 11.4cm x 8.4cm Gelatin silver print

Catalogue number 65090 ENSA abroad, 1945 This photograph shows a very happy British sailor in the arms of Esther Coleman with Manning Sherwin at the piano during an E.N.S.A. concert in Gibraltar, March 1945. The Entertainments National Service Association (E.N.S.A.) was established in 1939 to provide entertainment for troops of the three services at home and abroad. Sherwin was an American pianist and writer of sentimental wartime songs and Esther Coleman sang with several bands during her tours. Note the loaded depth charge thrower bottom right. Verso: “Manning Sherwin Gib March ‘45” in light pencil 13.8cm x 8.7cm Gelatin silver print