Royal Canadian Navy Regulating Branch
And Naval Police

Ratings' Uniforms of the 1950s and 60s

Class II Uniform

Most Ratings under the rank of Petty Officer Class 2 wore the Class II uniform, known as "Square Rig". The general appearance of the post World War 2 Square Rig was little changed from the wartime version. The heavy wool jumper and trousers were replaced with a lighter weight worsted versions. The new pattern jumper was fitted with a slide fastener in the front. The vest, collar, lanyard and silk tie remained essentially unchanged. For tropical or hot weather wear, the white duck jumper was phased out and a white cotton drill jumper was introduced.

PATROL

The specified dress for shore patrol duty in Canada or temperate climates was Number 3 Dress as illustrated above in the RCN manual BRCN 3048 - Manual Of Rank Requirements. Patrol Brassards, white belts, white gaiters, flashlights, batons and handcuffs were stored in the Regulating Office or under the supervision of the Master At Arms. Wet or cold weather clothing such as raincoats or greatcoats were issued as required.

The postwar pattern of blue cap worn with the Class II uniform was made with an integral white plastic cap cover. It was otherwise identical in construction details to the previous pattern cap. Normally one cap was worn while working, and a second cap was reserved for parades and dress occasions. The working cap was difficult to keep clean so the white cover was often touched up with white paint.

Blue Class II Uniform
Number 3 Dress

The blue "jumper, serge" was trialled in 1949 and adopted for service in 1950. It was made of a medium weight navy blue worsted serge and had a "v" neck opening with an attached collar and zipper front closing. It had two internal breast pockets secured by buttons. The jumper was worn over either the white cotton vest ("gunshirt") or, in colder weather, a blue worsted jersey.
A blue jean collar with 3 white tapes was buttoned to the collar of the jumper. The black silk tie is secured with two tapes attached to the jumper. Regulations stated that the tapes be tied in a bow with the ends no longer than 7 inches in length. The part of the tie below the bow is known as the "bight" and was to be a maximim of 2 inches in length.


The blue serge jumper worn with a blue jersey. Note that in Number 3 Dress, the white lanyard is not worn.


The blue jumper with the white cotton vest. The waistbelt is 1951 Pattern, whitened, with brass buckles. The Patrol brassard is worn on the left forearm.


Back view of the jacket and blue jean collar.


The rank insignia is that of a Leading Seaman with at least 3 years service. The Crown above the Leading Seaman's rank insignia is uncommon and it is described in CFP 152 (Seaman's Handbook) dated 6 July 1970 "Master seaman wear a crown above the leading seaman insignia." This would have been in wear until the "square rig pattern uniforms" were withdrawn in the mid 1970s and replaced by the CF Greens.


A branch badge, in this case the Regulating Branch, is worn on the right sleeve.


Closeup view of the Patrol brassard and the two button jacket cuff.


Typical jacket label.

White Class II Uniform
Number 13 Dress

Number 13 Dress was specified for normal duty wear in tropical climates, where Number 3 Dress would otherwise be worn.


The jumper is made of a light weight cotton drill and is of the same cut as the blue jumper. The lower edge of the jacket and the cuffs are edged with 5/8 inch blue cotton tape. There are two internal breast pockets each secured with a button. The denim collar is stitched in place and is an integral part of the jumper. The black silk, belt, and lanyard (if worn) are the same as worn with the blue jumper. White drill bell bottom trousers were worn with the jacket.

This uniform would be typical of a non Regulating Branch Leading Seaman "told off" for temporary duty as Naval Patrol in a foreign port.


Rear view of the jumper and collar.


Rank insignia of a Leading Seaman with more than 3 years service.


The trade badge worn by this Leading rating is that of Ship's Storesman.


Closeup view of the Patrol brassard and the two button cuff.


Typical jacket label.

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