Two six heave

Posted by Ricardo on February 17, 2004

In Reply to: Two six heave posted by john murphy on February 08, 2004

: " TWO SIX Heave" is supposed to be a nautical term for preparing to pull using a group of men.
: Being an Ex sailor I have heared this expresion on many occasions.
: I have heard of the origins of this expression but can anyone confirm these.

: JM

The term comes from the second and sixth members of a gun crew. theses two pulled on the ropes that caused the gun to be run out. Two six heave was just one of the many instructions used when preparing a gun for firing. Two and six had to pull evenly and together. This was later taken up as a general call to pull on any rope as shanties (the other method of ensuring synchronised effort) were rarely allowed on men of war.