Database: Life on Board

Discipline and life conditions were harsh for the average recruits on the ships of the Royal Navy. The men spent their time "watchkeeping", scrubbing the deck, maintaining the weapons or exercising. Half of the crew was busy while the others rested. Food was based on dried vegetables, salted meat, and rotting biscuits. Fresh meat was only for the officer class. Vitamin deficiencies caused scurvy. Water was often dirty and caused typhus, so it was safer to drink alcoholic beverages such as wine or beer.