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Royal Australian Naval Reserve uniform trousers
Royal Australian Naval Reserve uniform trousers

Royal Australian Naval Reserve uniform trousers

Date1969
Object number00042526
NameTrousers
MediumWool, cotton, silk, metal
Dimensions1200 x 500 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from William Anderson
DescriptionThese uniform trousers were worn by Captain Nigel Clarendon Kinsey of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve (RANR) during his service in Vietnam on the Australian National Line's MV JEPARIT (commissioned HMAS JEPARIT). They are accompanied by Captain Kinsey's RANR issued jacket (00042527).HistoryDuring Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, equipment, stores, ammunition, food and other essentials were needed for the troops. Merchant ships were the main transporters of these goods. In 1966 The Australian National Line (ANL) chartered MV BOONAROO and MV JEPARIT to the Australian Government's Department of Shipping and Trade for this purpose but trouble started in 1969 when sections of the maritime union refused to man the ships. Under Government powers, both vessels were commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy thereby allowing detachments of RAN sailors to crew them. MV JEPARIT was commissioned into the RAN in December 1969. HMAS JEPARIT made 43 voyages to Vietnam under the ANL and RAN flags. ANL captains were given the status of Reserve Officers and Captain Nigel Kinsey was one of these - he commanded JEPARIT from March to December 1970 completing six return voyages to Vietnam. His uniform features the sleeve rank of Captain in the RANVR and carries his World War II and Vietnam service ribbons as follows: 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Pacific Star, 1939-1945 War Medal, and Vietnam Medal.SignificanceCaptain Kinsey's service career and uniform represent a period of turmoil on the waterfront and the difficulties faced when moving essential goods to Vietnam during the unpopular war.