Crew in unusual vests circa 1900

[smithhale]

I have a picture circa 1900 of an unknown relative with his shipmates posing in front of a turret for a group shot and wearing vests similar those worn by lodge members. Other than a note left by my Father, "Uncle Harry, Mom's side", I know very little other that he is a Goodeve or Hele in the British Navy.

I would appreciate any information that can be provided about the attached photo, i.e. ship, turret, uniform period... and
does anyone recognize the vests ...navy issue or masonic or RAOB???

Thank you in advance for your help,
Ron Smith
Canada eh!

[keblin]

Sorry, difficult to discern. It's a pity the photo is'nt a little sharper.

[alanbenn]

Tried to enlarge the photo but it loses too much clarity, there appears to be sailors from different Navies in the photograph, those with white uniforms have small Pom-Pom's on their caps.

The term 'Goodeve' is not a trade in the Royal Navy.

However, a naval officer named Goodeve was the head of developement of degaussing, cable laying and he also developed anti -mine systems, so perhaps the men in his unit were known as 'Goodeves' the vests maybe part of the kit used during their hazardous work...anti-magnetic belts perhaps.

Regards
Alan

[SCRG1970]

Looks like one of the "Temperance Societys" which were popular at that time.

Regards

gerry