Confirmation of a Royal Canadian Navy number

[Nozzer]

Hi all,

A little help if possible please? I have an item of uniform that I picked up recently and understand belonged to a member of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

First of all, the number:

59040-h

So, is this an RCN number? is there any way to date this and possibly find out who it belonged to?

Many thanks for any help,

Andrew

[Bill A]

Hi Andrew,
The number associated with the RCN has a V prefix.

[Nozzer]

Thanks Bill,

I have taken some pictures that might help.

Andrew

[Bill A]

Thanks for the images Andrew. I am not aware of any Cdn service numbers with the alpha character at the end.

[Nozzer]

Hi Bill.

So, even though I had checked under the sweat band, I hadn't thought to look under the label that is sewn in. Guess what? Made by SCULLY MONTREAL.

At least I know it is Canadian now

Thanks again,

Andrew

[Bill A]

I think the cap is post war Andrew.

[Nozzer]

Yes, I think so also.

I know very little about the RCN, but if they followed the Royal Navy (RN) then the cap in the opening post (OP) is the same shape as that introduced by the RN in 1945.

In 1945 the RN introduced the new cap (AFO 5563/45) that was more oval as apposed to the round shape of previous caps.

As early as 1953 the RN where trialing new plastic caps for junior rates. I would be interested in how this compares the the RCN and would welcome any documentary evidence to confirm dates etc,

Andrew

[Darrell]

Hi Andrew

I had a niggling suspicion that it was indeed an RCN number. Something sticks in my head that I had seen RCN medals (Korea) with a number followed by a letter. I reached out to someone quite knowledgeable in these matters and he indeed confirmed my suspicion.

In 1946 the RCN grouped their non-commissioned members by "Home Port" numbers. Those Regulars that enlisted East of Port Arthur (Now Thunder Bay, Ontario), were grouped as Halifax and those who enlisted West of there were grouped as Esquimault; "H" and "E" respectively were added at the end of their number as a suffix.

Officer had an "O" prefix, Reservists had an "R" prefix and there was a group of "special" radiomen with a "G" (not sure if suffix or prefix).

I hope that help you and many thanks to Ed P.

regards
Darrell

[Bill A]

Thanks Darrell.

[Nozzer]

Hi Darrell,

Thank you very much, I think you have answered my question.

Regards,

Andrew