Q&A · 24:41-25:18

Did First World War destroyers hot-bunk?

Ratings normally had individual hammocks, but cramped ships and extra stores could leave too few places to sling them.

Question

Did especially small First World War destroyers often hot-bunk?

Short answer

Not in the usual sense: sailors had their own hammocks, but there might not be enough free hooks or space to sling every hammock at once.

Notes

First World War destroyer ratings normally had individual hammocks rather than sharing fixed beds. The practical shortage was hooks and clear deck space. Extra provisions or stores could occupy the berthing area and leave too few places to sling every hammock at once. A destroyer's cargo needs could therefore reduce habitability even when every sailor had personal sleeping gear.