Royal Navy: which tattoos were/ are seen as traditional?

Question

Which tattoo designs are or were seen as traditional by the Navy? I'm guessing ships crest, ships anchor or a pin-up girl etc, but ar ethere any specific designs that are traditional?

And what exactly is the 'Hunt' tattoo (also known as the 'Disappearing Fox') I have heard of? Is it literally a fox hunt tattooed across the whole back, with the little fox disappearing into the sailor's behind?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It was on a quiz show the other day. The anchor traditionally means a sailor that has crossed the Atlantic.

Answer 2

There was/is no guide to Pusser's tat's that I'm aware of. Obviously being a sailor the theme is the sea and what you miss most on land.

The tradition goes back to sea battles involving cannon fire. An easy way to identify bodies. Most tattoo's would be added on visiting foreign ports as proof of having been there.

The fox and hounds is exactly as you describe it sir :0)