From the First World War until the early 1950s, Officers and Chief Petty Officers wore blue service dress caps. Detachable covers were provided, white for tropical and summer wear, and tan for wear in bad weather. From the 1950s until Unification, caps were provided with the upper body made of white plastic. Officer's caps were similar to those worn by Petty Officers, but were of superior quality. Officers with the rank of Captain had a single row of gold embroidered leaves on the brim, Flag Officers (Admirals) had two rows of leaves.

Admiral's cap, pre 1953

Captain's cap with white cover, pre 1953

Captain's cap, pre 1953

Admiral's cap, 1953 - 1968

Captain's cap, 1953 - 1968

Officer's cap, 1953 - 1968

Petty Officer and Chief Petty Officer's Cap
with a Chief Petty Officer's cap badge, pre 1953

Ratings Caps

Ratings wore the typical flat hat with the HMCS cap tally. Removable khaki or white covers were provided, and worn according to local dress instructions. Sennet hats were introduced into Royal Navy Service in the late 1800's and were worn by the Canadian Navy until the mid 1920's. They provided a great deal more protection from the elements than the flat cap and were very popular. Sennet hats were also worn by Officers, especially on Naval landing parties.

Straw Sennet hat worn until the mid 1920's. These were worn with or without tallies.

Rating's cap 1939 - 1946

Rating's cap with removable khaki cover, 1939 - 1946

Post Second World War cap, worn until 1968

Rating's hatbox. Made of painted or japanned steel with a brass latch. The brass plate on the lid was stamped or engraved with the owner's name and rate.