Description
Object description
Private purchase Class II, No 1 dress for Leading Medical Assistant, Royal Navy, late-20th century.
Physical description
Black cotton, flared lapel long-sleeve jacket, with white metal half-length zip. The lining is of crimson silk. The flared lapels, which start halfway down the front of the jacket continue over the shoulders and into an appended square collar. On either side of the zip terminal, is a black cotton belt loop through which a black ribbon is fed. At the front centre of the waistband is a hook and loop fastener. The sleeves feature a short pleat, while the cuff has two black plastic buttons and corresponding button holes. On the right sleeve is a trade badge for 'Medical Assistant' consisting of a tombstone of black cotton with a circle of gold wire, the centre of which is filled with white on which is a red cross. On the left sleeve is a rank and service badge consisting of a single fouled anchor in gold wire, under which are two upward pointing chevrons of gold lace. Each of these badges are on black cotton backgrounds.
Label
Confronted, depth charged and rammed, submariners understood the true warlike nature of the Cold War. Silent, specially-equipped British submarines operated within Soviet waters gathering highly secret intelligence of military activity. From 1968, at least one nuclear-armed submarine patrolled the oceans, at permanent readiness to carry out the ultimate order. At times during his twenty-nine year career CPO(MA) Doug Proctor was the most senior medical assistant on board submarines undertaking these operations. He and his team were responsible for maintaining both the health and environmental safety of the ship's company. The responsibility on his shoulders was vast. If he failed 120 men's lives and the nation's nuclear deterrent could be at risk.
Label
No 1 Dress, often identifiable by gold badges and awards, was a sailor's best and worn only on formal occassions such as inspections, ceremonies and Sundays in harbour. Medical Assistant Doug Proctor wore this jacket, privately purchased in Singapore between 1970 and 1973, despite being in breach of Naval dress regulations.
History note
Having heard from shipmates of the quality tailoring available in Singapore, Medical Assistant Doug Proctor commissioned and purchased this jacket 'for a few Singapore dollars' in 1970. The suit, which was made of light cotton and lined with red silk, was contrary to dress regulations. He wore this jacket 'undetected' for nearly three years, despite the jacket's lightweight nature being unsuitable for the British winter climate. He also wore the suit at his wedding on 4th January 1975.
Proctor was in Singapore as part of HMS FORTH's ship's company. The submarine depot ship for 7th Submarine Squadron, was moored in Sembawang naval base on Singapore Island. Following the withdrawl of permanent British military bases 'East of Suez', Proctor was on the FORTH for the vessel's final journey, returning to England in May 1971.