Officer's Optional Boat Cloak
Date1947-1953
Object number00056135
NameCloak
MediumWool, copper-alloy
DimensionsOverall: 930 × 1130 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Ann Varley
DescriptionBritish-manufactured Officer’s optional navy blue (black) waist-length boat cloak belonging to LCDR Michael Varley, RANR.HistoryMichael William Varley was born in Melbourne, VIC on 29 September 1933, and entered naval service as a Cadet Midshipman on 1 January 1947. He was promoted to Midshipman in September 1951 and loaned to the Royal Navy for service and training the same year. He was seconded to the RN again in 1953, was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant the following year, and received his officer's commission in 1955. He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) in 1964 and received his first naval command (as Executive Officer) aboard HMAS Moresby in 1967.
Varley served primarily as a Hydrographic Officer and Assistant Surveyor during his term of service, and was assigned to the following vessels between 1947 and 1972: HMA Ships Lonsdale, Australia, Gladstone, Woomera, Quiberon, Penguin, Paluma, Kuttabul, Oberon, Warrego, Diamantina, Moresby. He also served aboard the British naval vessels HMS Devonshire and HMS Victory. It is likely that he would have worn the boat cloak aboard most, if not all, of these ships, and would have used the ceramic and silver tea/coffee service to entertain while in command of five different RAN vessels, including HMAS Moresby, HMAS Diamantina, and HMAS Paluma. Varley retired from naval service in 1987.SignificanceThe officer's optional boat cloak is an excellent example of a uniform item no longer issued to RAN/RANR officers. It reflects the social and cultural development of the Navy as it transitioned away from predominantly British traditions, protocols and practices during the mid-20th century.
