The Boatswain's Call, or whistle, was once the only method other than the human voice of passing orders to men on board ship. Today more sophisticated communications systems exist but the Royal Navy, always believers in tradition, still use the Boatswain's Call as a mark of respect to pipe the Captain or special visitors on board, or for emphasising important orders.The boatswain was the officer in charge of rigging, sails and sailing equipment. He therefore needed to issue orders more often than other officers and so the whistle was named after him. In the old days men were rigidly trained, almost like sheepdogs, to respond immediately to the piping of the Call. At sea, in moments of danger - particularly in storms - they could be counted on to hear the high-pitched tones of the Call, and react without delay. A shouted order may not have been heard above the sound of howling winds and lashing waves. Instructions to hoist sails, haul or let go ropes were conveyed by different notes and pitches. It is known that the galley slaves of Rome and Greece kept stroke to the sound of a flute or whistle similar to the Boatswain's Call. It was first used on English ships in the thirteenth century, during the crusades, and became known as "The Call" about 1670 when the Lord High Admiral of the Navy wore a gold whistle as a badge of rank. This was known as the "Whistle of Honour." The ordinary whistle of command was issued in silver and often each officer had his own Call decorated with rope designs and ship's anchors. Each section of the Boatswain's Call has a nautical name. The ball is the buoy; the mouthpiece is the gun; the ring is called the shackle and the leaf is called the keel. Subj:LSMR From: fbcntry@yahoo.com To: sandscraper3@aol.com My dad was on the LSMR 188 which has been featured in several AAs. I was a bosun back in the 60s. I served on board the USS Valley Forge CVA45/LPH8 60-62. I was discharged off her as BM 3. I used the whistle a lot on the bridge. She was decommissioned in the 70s & they built another ship with same name, only it was a GC50 a cruiser. She was decommissioned last Aug 04. The last couple of years, I was in contact with the skipper & deck crew & sent them care packages. They in turn sent me a t-shirt & cap with the ship's logo & a sticker & patch plus a brand new bosun whistle. So now I have 2. New one & my original. Plus I have my blues & bosun knife & ID & several items. My dad was on the LSMR 188. It has been featured in AA & I sent in some articles a few yrs back. I also helped get the LSM 45 ready for tow from Omaha a year or so ago. Dad's ship was the 1st LSM converted to a LSMR & also 1st hit by a plane. Can you put other bosun calls on the web site? Fred
Bosun ..Pipe Our Guest Aboard Courtesy of http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Garden/2839/ |