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Lascars on British ships: the question of their retention
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Lascars on British ships: the question of their retention
Lascars on British ships: the question of their retention, 1906. Human salamanders: the lascar at work and play. The Illustrated London News says that lascars (sailors from south and southeast Asia) are excellent stokers and can stand the fiercest heat of the tropics better than any other race. Date: 1906
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Media ID 14260007
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Asiatic Crew Jun17 Lascar Question Retention Sailor Sailors Seamen Shipboard Lascars
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Lascars on British Ships: The Question of Their Retention (1906) - Human Salamanders: The Lascar at Work and Play This evocative photograph, published in The Illustrated London News in 1906, captures the daily life of lascars - sailors from South and Southeast Asia - aboard British ships during the early 1900s. The image shows a group of lascars at work and play, highlighting their essential role in the functioning of these vessels and their ability to thrive in the tropical climate. The Illustrated London News praised lascars for their exceptional skills as stokers, noting their remarkable resilience to the fiercest heat of the tropics, which surpassed that of any other race. This ability was crucial, as the stokers were responsible for maintaining the ships' boilers, ensuring that steam power was available to operate the engines and propel the vessels forward. Despite their invaluable contributions, the question of the retention of lascars on British ships was a contentious issue during this period. The British Merchant Navy relied heavily on the labor of these seafarers, but concerns regarding their working conditions, wages, and treatment sparked debates and calls for reform. The lascars in this photograph appear to be engaged in various activities, both at work and at leisure. Some are tending to the ship's boilers, while others are relaxing and socializing. Their diverse appearances reflect the multicultural nature of the crew, with individuals hailing from various countries in Asia. This image offers a glimpse into the lives of lascars aboard British ships during the early 1900s, shedding light on their vital role and the complexities of the maritime labor force during this era. The question of their retention remained a pressing issue, as the British Navy and shipping companies grappled with the challenges of managing a diverse and global workforce.
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