Uniform, Battle Dress

Uniform, Battle Dress - IMG_0848 - CopyThe standard uniform for all ranks of the Canadian Army including during the Second World War was Serge Battledress. Adopted by the British in 1937 and by Canada in 1939, (until the 1960’s) it was worn on parades, in the field as combat dress, and off duty as a “walking out” dress.

Canadian and British made battledresses were generally similar in design, however, there were major differences in materials and construction. British battledress was made of a brownish wool serge and was closely cut to save on material. Canadian battledress was greener than the British and was cut more fully in the waist and shoulders. The blouse had two breast pockets and five concealed buttons down the front.

The main features of the trousers were a large map pocket on the left leg and a small pocket for a field dressing on the front right hip. Three buttons on the outside of the trouser waist were used to fasten the trousers to the blouse to prevent the blouse riding up in the back. Six buttons for the attachment of braces were sewn on the inside of the waist.

During the Second World War battle dress was also issued to Canadian military women serving in war theatre areas including Italy and Northwest Europe. These women included members of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps and nurses with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Oo

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