I was wondering if any of you have hear of a "bitter end award" and if so how it originated? I have been able to find many definations as to what a bitter end is, and most have been basically the same. But not able to find anything on this award or it´s orgins.
 From what I am being told, the award is given to a person retiring and they have come to the bitter end of their career, but according to my counter parts here there is a much more eleborate story associated with it. I can´t find any history of this award anywhere. Any help would be greatly apperciated.

That´s a new one for me - but I know a few "Old Salts" I might be able to ask.

Do you know anything more - ie: is there a country/region of origin to this? Modern maritime tradition or historic? Navy or Merchant Marine?

From what little I have been able to find, and it´s been very little, this orginated in the Scandinavian countries ie: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in the Early 1500´s or so. If any of the Old Salts know it would be helpful. And Thanks.