Lines on sailors' collars commemorate Nelson? - SNR (2024)
The three lines are by tradition said to commemorate the Battles of Copenhagen, the Nile and Trafalgar. However, the use of the ‘sailor’s collar’ with three lines in so many other navies – Imperial German Navy, Imperial Austrian Navy, US Navy, French Navy [etc] – might cause one to question this. See for instance: http://www.sacktrick.com/igu/germancolonialuniforms/militaria/navaluniforms.htm
The following is a citation from [the official Royal Navy website]:
http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/training-and-people/rn-life/uniforms-and-badges-of-rank/the-history-of-rating-uniforms/ ‘The Sailor’s collar deserves a special mention. Tarred pig tails disappeared rapidly after 1815 and the last is recorded as having been seen at sea in 1827. On the other hand, the first broad collars were worn after 1830. Contrary to popular belief, therefore, the two were never worn together. The first collars were not cut square but were round and closely resembled items that were fashionable ashore. The three rows of white tape were probably added for ornament at first; surviving records mention some discussion about whether there should be two rows or three. The more familiar square collar developed as it was easier for the men to cut and sew themselves than the round variety.’
This was discussed in Mariner’s Mirror 34 (1948) page 308, and it seems that the striped pattern was officially sanctioned initially with two stripes, although it clearly referred to a practice that had been going on prior to that. The article suggests that the connection with Nelson’s battles was first made in Baden-Powell’s Scouting for Boys, London 1909. The popularity of the ‘sailor suit’ for small boys is said to date from an 1846 portrait of Prince Edward (later Edward VIII) kitted out in a scaled-down version of the rig worn by the crew of the Royal Yacht.
Naval collars have a long past. Their original purpose is unclear. They may have originally helped protect the main uniform from staining. Back in the days when sailors had long hair worn in pigtails, they often covered their hair in tar or tallow (fat), which could rub off on their clothing.
The flap collar is perhaps the most recognizable item of the sailor suit. It is often considered lucky to touch a sailor's collar. The bell-bottomed trousers were designed so that they could be rolled up easily when scrubbing the decks.
On the traditional square rig uniform, the bell-bottomed trousers were pressed so that seven creases were present, apparently one for each of the seven seas. View another term?
The three stripes origin. The signature three stripes on Adidas shoes originated from the two stripes stitched on the sides of the Dassler brothers' cleats. The stripes secured the construction of a shoe while symbolizing the brothers' tandem.
Sailors used to say that the stripes made it easier to see men who had fallen into the sea. Marinières were made by independent tailors, but eventually were made in navy workshops; army tailoring was a separate duty, often performed by conscripts.
The trouser material is made of cotton fibers that swell when wet and can hold air. In the event of a sailor falling overboard or having to abandon ship without a life vest, the bell-bottomed trousers can be quickly removed in the water without having to remove footwear.
The three-stripe chevron uniform insignia denotes the Sergeant's rank. Most divisions are further organized into the squad level. Squads may consist of several officers too, as many as 10 or more. Each squad is supervised by a Sergeant.
Sailors used to say that the stripes made it easier to see men who had fallen into the sea. Marinières were made by independent tailors, but eventually were made in navy workshops; army tailoring was a separate duty, often performed by conscripts.
Bars: Officers in the lower pay grades wear bars.Officers at the O-1 pay grade wear one gold bar, O-2 wear one silver bar, O-3 wear two silver bars and warrant officers wear striped bars. Oak leaves: Officers at the O-4 pay grade wear a gold oak leaf and officers at the O-5 pay grade wear a silver oak leaf.
Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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