The Second World War
War in the Pacific and South East Asia  - The Royal Canadian Navy and the Pacific Coast

The Royal Canadian Navy was active in operations along the Pacific coast from 1939 to 1945, patrolling British Columbia waters and helping to support the Allied war effort. West coast shipyards built ships for the navy and the merchant navy.

Tropical Service Dress, German Merchant Navy

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