The Barbados Landship
The island of Barbados has the distinction of being the only country with a "Landship Movement", which is comprised of a Navy that never goes to sea
The Landship fleet is modeled after the British Navy, and is combined with an African beat and rhythm of the drum corp Tuk Band.
This landship movement is actually commanded by an Admiral, and naval ranks and titles have been assigned to the crew of the Landship.
Their ship goes by the name of the The Club House, and proudly carries the prefix BLS - Barbados Landship before its name. Prior to gaining independence, the Barbados Landship prefix was HMLS, which stands for Her Majesty's Landship. After boarding the ship, the crew speaks the naval language called Jack Tar.
Barbados Landship StampThe crew has to undergo the same training as in a professional navy, and you can recognize the landship crew by their white bell bottoms and shirts. Female crew members are usually dressed as navy nurses.
No major event on the island of Barbados is complete without the popular Barbados Landship marching and dancing to the beat of the Tuk Band.
They provide a funny satire to the pomp and circumstance of the British marching formations, and unique spoofs of the daily life of sailing on the high seas.
In one of their popular dances, the sailors advance with the right hand, and march with the right foot, which is the exact opposite of the British formation.
Many of the Landship dances imitate the movement of a ship, and the crew at sea.
The most popular dance is the Maypole, which is pictured at the right.
HISTORY OF THE LANDSHIP
The history of the Landship Movements goes back to the late 18th century when Moses Wood, a retired seamen, founded the organization.
Moses was a Barbadian who had served in the British Royal Navy. He missed his days at sea, and the land movement was formed as a way to fill the void, and still share the navy camaraderie.
Being part of the crew of The Landship has taught many younger Bajans discipline, respect and a strong sense of brotherhood.
The Landship has over 140 years of history and service on the island of Barbados. This unique organization will always be part of the cultural history of Barbados and its people.
LANDSHIP MISSION
Don't think this land based navy just entertains, their mission is much larger. The Landship is a support group, and the association provides services and support to various organizations and charities on the island.