The Later Cold War
From RCN to Maritime Command

The creation of the single-service Canadian Forces in 1968 transformed the Royal Canadian Navy into Maritime Command. The unification of the armed services brought tremendous change, introducing standardized uniforms and other common procedures that replaced older traditions. Federal policy and human rights rulings also increased the use of French, and began to abolish most limits on women's military service.

Royal Canadian Navy Parka and Trousers

This parka and trousers, issued to sailors to keep them warm, bear the initials of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Both the parka and the trousers are of a post-war pattern, and came with labels bearing detailed instructions on keeping them dry and usable, an important task in cold and wet conditions. The trousers were made in the early 1950s, but the parka dates from 1966, towards the end of the Royal Canadian Navy.

Parka, CWM 19660064-066
Parka trousers, CWM 19660064-024