During the First and Second World Wars, the duffle coat became a popular piece of cold-weather clothing for sailors.

The duffle coat, usually navy blue or camel-coloured, featured thick woolen fabric, a hood large enough to accommodate naval caps, and horn or wooden toggle buttons which could be unfastened even while wearing gloves or mittens. Duffle coats became popular ashore, and British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery was frequently seen wearing one. Canadian Army chaplain W.J. Gilling wore this coat throughout the campaigns in Italy and Northwest Europe.

Duffle Coat
CWM 19950031-002