Q&A · 38:44-39:12

When hardtack likely left Royal Navy rations

Hardtack's disappearance as a major Royal Navy ration is tentatively placed around the 1900s, with changing recipes complicating the date.

Question

When did Royal Navy ships stop carrying hardtack as a major part of their rations?

Short answer

Probably around the 1900s, though the date is given from memory and needs further verification.

Notes

Hardtack probably remained a major Royal Navy ration until around the 1900s. That date is a recollection that would need checking against the records. Changes in biscuit recipes also complicate deciding when the older ration disappeared.