The Probert Encyclopaedia of Food & Drink

SHIP'S BISCUIT

Ship's biscuits were biscuits prepared from flour, from which only the coarsest bran was removed and water, made up into a very stiff dough, formed into shapes and then baked and then exposed in lofts over the oven until completely dry and capable of staying good for months and even years.

Ship's biscuits of the Royal Navy during Victoria's reign were made by machine at the Royal Clarence Victualling Yard at Gosport, Hampshire and were stamped with the Queen's mark and the number of the oven to which they were consigned to be baked.
Research Ship's Biscuit