Kurt Reinhold Gunzel was an experienced 33-year-old merchant sailor when the armed merchant cruiser HMCS Prince Robert captured his ship Weser off the Mexican coast.

Gunzel's cotton uniform, made in Shanghai, China, was intended for warm tropical weather. Press interviews with the crew of the Prince Robert noted that when most of Weser's captured crew were dressed in light clothing not warm enough for more northern latitudes. Though some of the Germans feared mistreatment or even summary execution, instead they benefitted from donation of warmer clothing by Canadian sailors.

Tropical Service Dress, German Merchant Navy
Work Dress Jacket, CWM 20070070-042
Work Dress Trousers, CWM 20070070-043