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First Woman to Climb 155 Feet on a Navy Ship | American Watches British History

The Hickson Diaries

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In this engaging reaction video, the host explores the HMS Datalist Mask Manning Team performance from 1992, highlighting the historical significance of the first female button boy, Nicola Howard. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by women in the military, the precision of naval training, and the emotional impact of witnessing such a remarkable event. The host reflects on the evolution of gender roles within the armed forces and the pride displayed by those involved in the performance.

Original Content Creator Credit:
⁨@PaulHaselwood⁩ HMS Daedalus Mast Manning Team 1992 at East of England Show
HMS Daedalus Mast Manning Team 1992 at Eas...

What is a "Button Boy"?
https://www.scottishcountrydanceofthe....

First Female "Button Boy" Nicola Howard
https://www.scottish-country-dancing-....

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context
00:22 Exploring the HMS Datalist Mask Manning Team
01:50 The Role of the Button Boy
04:06 The Challenge of Heights
16:16 Reflections on Women in the Military

Key Takeaways

The HMS Datalist Mask Manning Team performance showcases naval precision.
Nicola Howard was the first female button boy, a significant milestone.
Button boys had to climb 155 feet as part of their duties.
The performance evokes a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Women in the military face unique challenges and discrimination.
The host expresses admiration for the skills displayed in the performance.
Historical context enriches the understanding of military traditions.
The emotional connection to the performance is palpable through the screen.
The video highlights the evolution of gender roles in the military.
Viewer engagement is encouraged through comments and suggestions.

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🌟 Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. All opinions expressed are solely from the point of view of the host.

Hey y'all, welcome back! This video features a reaction to the HMS Daedalus Mask Manning Team in 19, bringing back memories of incredible naval aviation history. It's truly amazing to see the precision of the royal navy and the dedication of each sailor. The footage showcases the team in action, reminding us of the rich british military history and the impressive aircraft involved in fleet reviews.

Keywords

HMS Datalist, Mask Manning, Nicola Howard, Button Boy, Women in Military, Reaction Video, Military History, Naval Training, Gender Equality, Armed Forces

#livingabroad #hicksondiaries #lifestylevlog #vlog #unitedstates #unitedkingdom #ukvsus #expatlife #2026 #royalnavy #reactionvideo #americanreacts #react

20 Comments

@fishtigua 8 months ago

I'm a 60yo Mariner and being Button Boy was top of the tree for a young sailor, everyone wanted it.

@jamesthompson3674 8 months ago

Please be aware that - no safety harness or stramps were used in the making of this film. Just think about that for a min.

@dirktungsten9935 8 months ago

The most impressive thing about this is that she stopped to straighten her cap when she reached the ground - impeccable discipline.

@johnwalker7062 8 months ago

That was 33 years ago, so Nichola is around 50 now, probably with some very proud of their mother kids.

@robertlonsdale5326 8 months ago

The band are Royal Marines and also combat soldiers.

@DisplacedQuine 8 months ago

The tune that they marched on and off to is 'Heart of Oak' which is the official march of the Royal Navy. The tune to which they climbed the mast is 'Westering Home' which is the official slow march of the Royal Navy. You have to climb in step as otherwise the rigging will twist. The band is one of the bands formed by the Royal Marine Band Service. Nicola got the traditional tot of neat rum as a reward as well as a memento presented by the admiral.

@PortilloMoment 8 months ago

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

@janetburrows137 8 months ago

Agh no there’s nothing standing between her and the ground. She is stood hand by her sides. 🥰🙏🇬🇧❤️🇬🇧. British Pride Right there Ma’am. ❤️🇬🇧🥰🙏🇬🇧

@XiOjala 8 months ago

The music when they were climbing up the mast is called 'Westering Home'. It is about a ship returning to the Hebridean island of Islay. Pronounced 'Eye Lah'.

@melbeasley9762 8 months ago

The ropes on the underside of the drums harks back to the days when drums went into battle for signalling purposes. The drum would be carried on the back and the ropes were long enough so it wouls fit over the standard back pack.

@andreasimpson273 8 months ago (edited)

Imagine going up the masts at sea. I am sure they all volunteered to do this as well

@iancomputerscomputerrepair8944 8 months ago

I have said it before, but I will say it again, the woman had balls of steel, the size of footballs!

@g4joe 7 months ago (edited)

My Dad was in the French Navy and did the same thing on one of Their Tall Ships.
Then did a Hand Stand , at the Top of the Mast "feet in the Air", all for a glass of Rum.,👍🇨🇵🇬🇧

@rayfielding 8 months ago (edited)

I well remember watching manning the mast at HMS Ganges when my brother was there. It’s something you don’t forget. These were just boy entries to
The Royal Navy.

@robertlonsdale5326 8 months ago

Women ferried planes from factory to airfields during WW2. One day it could be a Spitfire and the next time something totally different. They even drove steam engines during WW1

@msf60khz 8 months ago

I believe that in earlier years there was no central post and the Button Boy just stood up on the button.

@robertlonsdale5326 8 months ago

The naval salute is different to the army and air force.

@davetdowell 8 months ago

It's a tradition from the days of Sail, when the Royal Navy would so that on real ships.

@MrPaulMorris 7 months ago

Now imagine that, with far less ceremony, in high winds and high seas!

155 feet (about 50m) was as high as I ever climbed as a commercial climber back when working as a radio engineer and I was sweating despite being in full body harness with lanyard securely attached to the (radio) mast. No way you'd get me up there free climbing and definitely not standing at the top saluting. Stick that for a game of soldiers (or sailors!). There's maybe a reason I chose to serve in the RAF where our "traditiions" didn't stretch much further than a Friday night beer call...