Fifty years of sailors in the Royal New Zealand Navy will recognise these brown PVC sandals. No one’s sure why, but possibly because they’re made out of plastic, they were widely referred to as ‘placky sandals’.
Everyone wore plackys everywhere on board ship (it was forbidden to wear them ashore).
They formed part of a summer uniform called 10As and 10s, which was either a blue shirt, blue shorts and sandals or white tropical shirt, white shorts and sandals. No socks were worn with the sandals in either uniform, confirming a long-held belief that the Navy is comprised of an exceptionally stylish bunch of people.
And if you doubt that plackys were worn everywhere on board, they were also worn in the shower. This was not for sartorial reasons, but rather to stop the spread of Athlete’s Foot, the highly irritating fungal infection.
The RNZN stopped issuing these particular sandals in 2012 due to the closure of Kaydees, the company who manufactured them.
– From exhibition booklet: 75 Years 75 Objects – an exhibition about the Royal New Zealand Navy, 2016
More to explore.
New Collection Items – Autumn 2024
Uncovering the latest acquisitions to the collection.
First Aid at Sea in the Second World War
Medical personnel played a vital role at sea during the Second World War.
Vietnam War Propaganda Leaflets – Artefact Unpacked
We uncover some Vietnam war propaganda leaflets.
Grave Marker – Artefact Unpacked
Uncover a 178-year-old Grave Marker donated to the Navy Museum.
The Wartime Artwork of Owen (Miles) Spence
A selection of drawings from Owen (Miles) Spence from the Navy Museum collection.
New Collection Items – Winter 2023
View a selection of new items added to the Collection during Winter 2023.
Looking back on the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
Looking back on coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
New Collection Items – Autumn 2023
View a selection of new items added to the Collection.
Fleet Air Arm Flight Jacket
Artefact Unpacked – Fleet Air Arm jacket made from leather and sheepskin.
Dear Midge
Letters sent by a sailor to his daughter during WW2.
Celebrating First Female Chaplain
Celebrating the achievements and career of Principal Chaplain Pauline Law ONZM (Rtd).
Naval Cloak
Naval Boat Cloak owned by Commander John Elworthy.
Santa Flag
This flag was hand painted by crew from HMNZS Wellington.
Five Power Defence Arrangements
The Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) were established in 1971.
Sweetheart Badges
These tiny badges are known as ‘sweetheart’ jewellery.
Painting the Navy
Painting the Navy – celebrating 80 years of RNZN with Colin Wynn.
Red Bicycle
Red Bicycle used by Naval personnel in Second World War.
The ‘Beating’ Heart of the Navy
The drum has always played a special role in the military.
Sailor’s Grave
This grave marker was made for Able Seaman William Simpson.
A sailor’s diary – Battle of Kolombangara
AB Johnstone remembers the Battle of Kolombangara in his diary.