Posted on 03/15/2010 9:11:58 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The ‘Cockers P’ parties have been hosted on board Navy ships since the time of Admiral Nelson.
Officers entertain guests with the customary drink of a horse’s neck – a mix of brandy, ginger ale and Angostura bitters, garnished with the curl of lemon peel from which it gets its name.
Prince's commando training Commanders insist the parties have an important role to play in unofficial foreign policy.
They say foreign VIPs, which can include ministers, officials and councillors, are impressed by British ships and talk more freely than they might in more formal settings.
There is also a morale-boosting aspect to the parties for some of the crew, as unattached local women can be invited.
Navy officers say the benefits of the Cockers P events far outweigh the costs and point out the average alcohol bill of around £1,000 is relatively small.
There are currently 13 ships deployed at sea, each of which would expect to throw about five parties a year.
The total bill is estimated to take less than £70,000 from the Ministry of Defence’s annual budget of £36 billion.
However, civil servants have ordered them to stop as part of moves to improve the MoD’s finances.
At least, two Cockers Ps have already been cancelled.
Two weeks ago, Falkland Island dignitaries, including the Governor, Alan Huckle, as well as nurses, teachers and conservationists, were looking forward to the opportunity of a cocktail party on board the destroyer HMS York.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
No more ‘Cockers P’ parties in the Navy?
I would hate to be the one to have to tell Eric Massa...
The stock went through the roof.
Our own Navy (I’m retired Navy) could use of little of this tradition. Our bill would be a tad higher though.
I learned that lesson at an early age. My first boss called me off of an important power plant test to read me the riot act for buying a quart of oil at the gas station instead of at a discount store. Then he wouldn’t think anything of driving 1,000 miles to pick up his daughter at college — but he’d swing by to take me out to lunch so he could charge the trip to the company. Then he’d drink his normal 3 martini lunch and make me put it on my expense account. I was introduced to schlubs and putzs like that at a tender young age.
I’ve never met a Brit serviceman I did not like.
I never drank with a Brit serviceman I did not love.
What a shame.
Pelosi will show those Brits how to really blow money on drinks!
And Botox
For those not familiar with the custom, Pusser’s Rum, aka “Nelson’s Blood” is a tradition in the RN. However, it is not a particularly good rum.
But good enough for jolly Jack tars.
Tradition is as important as training. This ancient tradition show stay in place. Some things should not change.
Reminds me of when Ralphie’s mom turned off the leg lamp, making it the only light in the house not turned on. “Don’t want to waste electricity!”
As a young lieutenant, I was once invited to a dinner on a French warship. Fabulous food and everyone got schnockered.
In Nelson’s time, such entertainments would have paid for by the ship’s Captain, or by the members of the mess. Officers of the Royal Navy had to pay for their own food and beverages and used their own stores to entertain. Post Captains who had neither a private income or prize money seldom entertained.
Just curious, have you ever tasted Pusser’s? My own opinion is that it is as tasty as the best coffin varnish. Nasty stuff.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.