A Song of Friendship and Farewell
‘Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate’ is one of the most loved songs associated with the Royal Navy. Unlike many sea songs that celebrate battles, storms or hard work, this song focuses on something equally important to sailors: friendship.
The song reflects the strong bonds formed between men serving together at sea. After years of sharing danger, hardship and adventure, the crew finally return safely to shore, only to face the sadness of parting company with their closest shipmates.
The Origins of the Song
Although often regarded as an old naval folk song, researchers have identified its author as Richard Creagh Saunders (1809–1886), a Royal Navy schoolmaster. The song was probably written during the mid-nineteenth century and later entered the wider naval tradition.
It was preserved in Charles Harding Firth's collection Naval Songs and Ballads, published in 1908, ensuring that it survived long after the age of wooden sailing warships.
Life in the Royal Navy
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of naval life. References to working the same gun, serving in a quarterdeck division and handling sails aloft all come directly from the daily experiences of nineteenth-century sailors.
Service at sea often lasted several years. Crews became close companions, living, working and facing danger together around the clock. When a commission finally ended, sailors frequently returned to different homes and ships, uncertain whether they would ever meet again.
Safe Ashore at Last
The opening lines celebrate a successful return from sea: "Safe and sound at home again, let the waters roar, Jack."
Rather than focusing on heroic deeds, the song celebrates survival and companionship. Its message is simple: no matter where life takes you next, don't forget the friends who stood beside you during the voyage.
Master and Commander
The song enjoyed renewed popularity after appearing in the 2003 film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. The version featured in the film was based on an arrangement made by folk singer Jim Mageean during the 1970s.
The film introduced the song to a new generation and helped establish it as a modern favourite among maritime singers and shanty groups worldwide.
A Selsey Connection
Selsey has long been shaped by the sea, whether through fishing, lifeboat service or maritime trade. Like the sailors celebrated in this song, generations of local seafarers have relied upon teamwork, trust and friendship in challenging conditions.
Those values remain central to maritime communities today, which is one reason why the song still resonates so strongly with audiences.
Is It a Shanty?
Strictly speaking, ‘Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate’ is not a working shanty. It was not used to coordinate labour aboard ship. Instead, it belongs to the tradition of naval songs sung for entertainment and companionship.
Nevertheless, it has become firmly embedded in the modern sea shanty scene and is now regarded as a staple of maritime singing throughout Britain.
“Long we've tossed on the rolling main, now we're safe ashore, Jack. Don't forget your old shipmate...”
Why We Still Sing It
- It celebrates friendship and loyalty between sailors.
- It offers a genuine glimpse into life in the Royal Navy.
- Its chorus is memorable and easy for audiences to join in with.
- Its message remains as powerful today as when it was written.
More than a century after it was first published, ‘Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate’ remains one of the most moving songs in the maritime repertoire. It reminds us that the greatest treasure carried by any ship is often the friendships formed aboard her.
Come and hear it for yourself. Have a look at our Performances page to see where we will be next, and don't forget to sing along.