Clothing

The Museum holds an extensive and wide-ranging collection of naval uniforms, encompassing all ranks and trades. The Museum also actively collects a range of everyday work wear, leisurewear and even military-issued underwear. Accessories include kitbags, buttons, cap tallies (ribbons), bedding, and housewives (sailors sewing kits).

Clothing Gallery

Royal Navy Commander's cocked hat, worn as part of dress uniform until 1940. Made by Gieves Ltd, UK. Presented to the RNZN by Commander A.J.T. Shorting RN, on board HMNZS CANTERBURY at Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom, 3 August 1977. Cdr Shorting served as a Warrant Officer Engineer onboard Achilles in 1939-40. 1653/1
The cocked hat worn by Royal Navy Officers with their ceremonial uniform was commonly referred to as 'fore and aft' hat. During the 1700s the hat was worn parallel to the shoulders, but in the 1800s was modified to be worn with points to the front and back. Wearing of the cocked hat was discontinued on 12 October 1940. 1653/1
Used in WW2, these were issued to Sub-Lt Peter Taylor in 1946. CKC 0010
Christina McDonald joined the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps in 1943 and was immediately seconded to HMNZS PHILOMEL (Devonport Naval Base) where she became the Sister in Charge of the brand new Royal New Zealand Naval Hospital. In 1946 she reverted back to the Army and managed the hospital in Japan for the occupying J Force. She stayed there until 1949 when she returned to PHILOMEL as the Matron of the Royal New Zealand Naval Hospital. She left the hospital in 1956 and later became the Principal Matron of the Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps before retiring in 1958.
Black woollen Navy-issue swimming trunks, c.1945. CMR 0001
Veronica Harris was born in Napier on 22 January 1931. She had not yet been christened when a major earthquake struck the city on 3rd February 1931. Some time shortly following the quake Veronica’s father, Jack Harris, met with the captain of HMS VERONICA. This naval ship was berthed at Napier at the time of the earthquake and its crew played an important role in the recovery effort. The captain, Commander H.L. Morgan, suggested Veronica for the baby’s name. The HMS VERONICA cap tally (ribbon) was later sent to Jack Harris by Commander Morgan, which was then passed on to his daughter on the day of her marriage. The Museum received the cap tally on her passing. 2007.25.1