GA016(B)  Up Oars! (Bearded Sailors) by K&C  

  As a whale boat was alongside either before or after a trip the order would be given to hoist the oars up into the vertical position allowing passengers to board or alight from the craft more easily, with sailors sporting what was termed by the Royal Navy “a full set” meaning a complete beard and moustache...

Please note: moustaches on their own...goatee style beards or lower beards (no moustaches) were and still are banned in the Royal Navy.

                                 Either “a full set” or “completely clean shaven” is the order of the day