Display No. 26E
Royal Naval Temperance Society
The temperance movement began in the early 1800s as a social movement to combat the consumption of alcohol. A growing awareness of the negative effects of alcohol was beginning to emerge and alcohol soon became associated with wider social issues such as poverty or immorality. Temperance Societies also began to be established within the military. The Royal Naval Temperance Society advocated for teetotalism which contrasted starkly with the Navy’s daily rum ration.
Medal(s)
Medal Description [Left to Right]:
The Royal Naval Temperance Society One Year Medal
This medal was awarded to members of the Royal Naval Temperance Society for completing one year abstinence from alcohol.
Royal Naval Temperance Society Medallion
This medallion is made up of three components that are not usually found together. Firstly the Victory Medal pin bar is usually seen with a blue ribbon and different medal disc on the Five Years Victory Medal. The ribbon is not linked to any Royal Temperance Society Medals, instead it bears a similarity to the National Fire Brigades Association Long Service Medal. The medal disc seen here is the Three Year Cross, awarded by the association for three years abstaining from alcohol.