Description
Object description
Jacket (Class I and III), No 1 dress, for Chief Petty Officer Medical Assistant. Featuring submariner's 'dolphins' distinction and Long Service and Good Conduct medal ribbon, late-20th century.
Physical description
Dark blue double-breasted jacket in fine wool, with black silk lining, two waist pockets and a single breast pocket. Six 'yellow' stay-bright RN buttons (fouled anchor and queen's crown on a ridged background within a plain border) in two columns of three are on the front of the jacket, along with three similar buttons on the outside of each sleeve. On the inside of the rightside jacket panel is a black nylon label on which is "AMBASSADOR" embroidered in red cotton along with material and printing instructions in white. "PROCTOR" is handwritten in blue ink.
On each collar are trade badges for CPOMA. They are a tombstone of black wool on which is embroidered a gold wire circle, filled in white with a red cross. Above this is a gold wire queen's crown and below it a six-pointed star. Above the breast pocket are a gilt and enamel badge in the shape of two dolphins, a queen's crown and an anchor. Below this badge is a medal ribbon consisting of dark blue centre edged with bands of white.
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, identifiable by gold embroidered badges and often the presence of medals and awards, was a sailor's best uniform and worn only on formal occassions such as inspections, ceremonies and Sundays in harbour. Chief Petty Officer Medical Assistant Doug Proctor wore this jacket, between 1983 and 1995.
History note
This jacket is part of the uniform issued to Doug Proctor upon promotion to acting Chief Petty Officer in 1983.
Acting Leading Medical Assistant Proctor commenced 'Phase 1 Training (Submarine Qualification (SMQ))' at the Royal Navy's Submarine School at HMS DOLPHIN, Gosport, on 2 September 1974. From 6th January 1975 he undertook and received the 'Phase 2 Training (SMQ)' at HMNB Clyde, in Faslane. He received his 'Dolphins' the distinctive and sought after trade badge of the submariner in January 1976, following completion the previous autumn of 'Phase 3 Training (SMQ)' on board HMS WARSPITE. He was awarded his LSGC medal in 1981 after 15 years service. He was formally promoted to Chief Petty Officer while on board HMS SCEPTRE in December 1984.