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Officers' Stewards - What was their role?

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Helen

Helen Report 3 Jun 2006 15:26

Please can someone help me? My Great Grandfather was an Officers Steward based on many ships throughout WW1 but I can't seem to find any info on what this role would have entailed. Can anyone give me a definition? Would I be able to find naval records for him? I am hoping once I have worked out what he actually did it will help me find out more about him. Frustratingly he's proving to be the black sheep in the family! Many thanks Helen

Karen

Karen Report 3 Jun 2006 15:34

category of Officers' Steward duties there included cleaning cabins and serving meals. WRNS(taken from WW2 archives files) I had three officers to look after and we used to have to make their beds, press their suits if they wanted us to, and keep their rooms tidy. And serve in the wardroom. Our officers used to put their shoes outside the door and we had to clean them. ROYAL NAVY STEWARDS( taken from 2006 Navy job description) Naval Stewards maintain standards of service the equal of a good hotel or restaurant and make a vital contribution to the ship’s social life wherever it may travel. The fundamental thinking behind the organisation of the Royal Navy is teamwork. Everyone pulling their weight in their job makes it easier for the ship to perform its role. Stewards play an important part in this. They are trained in hotel service and management and use their skills to look after officers’ and ratings’ accommodation ashore and afloat. The standard is high. An Officers’ Mess (Wardroom) is run on the lines of a high-class hotel or restaurant. An even higher standard is required for Senior Officers and Flag Officers who have official entertaining responsibilities, particularly in foreign ports. Stewards are specially trained for this task – preparing, serving and accounting for food and drink of all kinds, and organising accommodation services. Maintaining this high standard at sea poses a new set of problems as space is limited but your training will ensure that you are fully prepared.

Helen

Helen Report 3 Jun 2006 15:45

Many thanks for the info Karen.

Karen

Karen Report 3 Jun 2006 15:50

you welcome Helen. I just used google for 'Navy Steward' & lots of info & stories came up. karenx