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Archiver > MARINERS > 2003-05 > 1053597755


From: "John D.Stevenson" <>
Subject: Re: [Mar] Merchant Navy uniforms ww1.
Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 11:05:53 +0100
References: <3b.386f0053.2bfdd679@aol.com> <006d01c32037$f30cd360$a5e48351@x8p5w2> <000801c3203d$86734120$b181b8cb@default>


>
> Although this could get a bit hazy where we have an MN officer
> that was also in, say, the RNR. Comments ?
>
> Best regards,
> Iain Rogers, Hong Kong, China
>
Good morning Ian ,
Long ,long time no speak !!
Trust you are well.
The MN/RNR should not arise as the MN uniform has no official standing
wheras if a MN officer wore an RNR uniform and wasn't signed on he is
breaking the law.
An aside to this.
Many years ago I ,along with the other mates and engineers of the ship I was
serving on, were invited to a Battle of Britain celebration being held at
the small U.K. port we were unloading at.
We were asked to wear uniform to represent the MN.
Also in port was an RN frigate whose officers also attended.
During the evening as the drink flowed a remark was passed, and heard by
all, by a senior officer from the frigate to the effect we were "Toy Town
Sailors" and had no right whatsover to wear a uniform.
It was pointed out that three of our lads were fully paid up members of the
RNVR ( as it was at that time. They were worse in the eyes of the two
ringer , they were just "weekend sailors" !!
This caused a real "stooshie" ending with an apology some days later from
the Commanding Officer and the local Mayor.
The wearing of uniform I suppose is a form of symbolism but I for one was
proud to wear mine when required.

Regards.
John.

John D. Stevenson A.M.I.Mar.E.
Sunny spells, 14C.
Edinburgh.


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