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Royal Australian Navy (RAN)/RANR winter uniform trousers

Date1939-1945

Object number00056590

NameTrousers

MediumLinen, wool, dye, copper-alloy

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Naida Isenberg

Terms

DescriptionWinter naval uniform trousers worn by Royal Australian Naval Reserve Able Seaman (Radar) Kaye Burton Smith, who served aboard HMAS Australia (II) during the Second World War. The fall front square rig trousers are manufactured from blue wool serge and feature traditional horizontal folds down each leg. The waist and fall are lined with dyed blue cotton. The fall, which fastens to the inside front section with four black plastic buttons, has two horizontal welt pockets with blue and white striped cotton drill pocket bags. The trousers are significant due to their association with AB Smith and Australia (II), a heavy cruiser that served with distinction during some of the most pivotal naval battles in the Pacific Theatre involving Australian naval assets, including the Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Savo Island, amphibious landings at Guadalcanal and Leyte Gulf, the New Guinea Campaign, and the invasion of Lingayen Gulf.SignificanceThis collection of objects is significant due to its association with HMAS Australia (II), one of the RAN’s capital warships during the Second World War. The heavy cruiser served with distinction during some of the most pivotal naval battles in the Pacific Theatre involving Australian naval assets, including the Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Savo Island, amphibious landings at Guadalcanal and Leyte Gulf, the New Guinea Campaign, and the invasion of Lingayen Gulf. During the latter engagement, Australia was forced to withdraw due to extensive damage caused by a series of kamikaze attacks. Some scholars have argued that a Japanese aircraft collision with Australia on 21 October 1944 (during the amphibious landings at Leyte Gulf) was the first documented instance of a kamikaze attack on an Allied warship. AB Smith was present during most of these campaigns and events, as were his hammock, winter uniform, and—assuming family lore of their origin is true—the British White Ensign and Australian national flag, which only enhances their collective historical significance.