Mess Deck Collection

U.S.S. Newark galley, between 1891 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Newark galley, between 1891 and 1901

U.S.S. Massachusetts, petty officers mess, between 1896 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Massachusetts, petty officers mess, between 1896 and 1901

U.S.S. Oregon ward room mess, between 1896 and 1901. Creator: Edward H Hart
U.S.S. Oregon ward room mess, between 1896 and 1901

U.S.S. Maine sailors mess, 1896. Creator: Edward H Hart
U.S.S. Maine sailors mess, 1896

U.S.S. Massachusetts, marines at mess, between 1896 and 1901. Creator: Unknown
U.S.S. Massachusetts, marines at mess, between 1896 and 1901

U.S.S. Olympia - crew's mess, 1899. Creator: Frances Benjamin Johnston
U.S.S. Olympia - crew's mess, 1899. Interior view of dining area aboard the USS Olympia, showing sailors eating at a table suspended by ropes

Some of the crew of HMS Minesweeper Commiles, adopted by the Daily Mirror reading their fan mail. Over 1000 letters were received by the crew within a month following adoption

The crew of a Royal Navy escort destroyer enjoying a rest period below decks between watches, by reading the Daily Mirror or having a game of Ukkers (navy slang for Ludo) December 1940

The Naval Manoeuvres of 1893, Incidents during the Operation (engraving)
1063427 The Naval Manoeuvres of 1893, Incidents during the Operation (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Naval Manoeuvres of 1893)

Christmas in the Sea of Marmora, Mess Deck of HMS "Achilles"waiting Inspection (engraving)
1058688 Christmas in the Sea of Marmora, Mess Deck of HMS " Achilles" waiting Inspection (engraving) by Nash, Joseph (d.1922); Private Collection; (add.info)

Members of the Ajax crew wait for their daily rum ration shortly after their arrival in Devonport. Following the ships return from the South Atlantic

Royal Marines on their mess deck on board a ship, World War II, c1939-c1943 (1944). Serving in the Fleet - Here they are seen on their own messdeck, which they call " The Barracks"

Functional use of space on the mess deck, 1941. Artist: Cecil Beaton
Functional use of space on the mess deck. From Air of Glory, by Cecil Beaton. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1941]

Between Sweeps, 1943.The crew of a minesweeper relax on one of the mess decks of HMS Rothesay. From His Majestys Minesweepers. [His Majestys Stationery Office, London, 1943]

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The mess deck is the heart of a ship, where sailors come together to eat, relax, and bond. It's a bustling hub of activity, filled with laughter and camaraderie. From hearty meals to late-night snacks, this communal space is where friendships are forged and memories are made. Whether it's swapping sea stories or sharing a game of cards, the mess deck is where sailors find comfort and connection in the midst of their demanding duties at sea. It's a place where rank is left at the door and everyone is equal around the table. So next time you step foot on a ship, be sure to visit the mess deck - you never know what kind of adventure or friendship awaits you there.