Carry on? In the days of sail, the Officer of the Deck kept a weather eye constantly on the slightest change in wind so sails could be reefed or added as necessary to ensure the fastest headway.
Whenever a good breeze came along, the order to “carry on” would be given. It meant to hoist every bit of canvas the yards could carry.
Pity the poor sailor whose weather eye failed him and the ship was caught partially reefed when a good breeze arrived.
Through the centuries the term’s connotation has changed somewhat. Today, the Bluejackets Manual defines carry on as an order to resume work; not so grueling as two centuries ago.
Have a great Navy day!
