Women's Royal Naval Service
A unique event of the war years was the creation of naval uniforms for women. These originated with the formation of the British Women's Royal Naval Service (WReNS) in 1917. Uniforms were feminine variations of traditional naval styles, influenced by civilian fashions.

Canada later followed suit in early 1942 when the Royal Canadian Navy decided to recruit women.

Canadian Navy 1960s Blue Uniform
In 1956 it was decreed that almost all men below the rating of petty officer, however employed, should dress as seamen. In the same year, improvements were made to seamen's uniforms.

Major innovations were the coat-type jumper, the combined blue jean collar and " waistcoat", and the cap with white plastic crown worn year-round.

Symbol of Unification - Dark Green
The symbol of unification of sea, land, and air personnel was the Canadian Forces uniform of dark green originating in the 1970s. The peaked cap is plain for the men and trimmed with gold braid or oak leaves for officers.

Rank badges for non-commissioned officers, warrant officers, and men are gold embroidery. Officers' rank is denoted by rings of gold braid around each cuff.

Land, Sea, and Air
In 1985, three uniforms were again introduced: navy blue and white for the navy, light blue for the air force, and dark green and beige for the army. These uniforms represent a return to distinction among land, sea, and air forces.

See our rank chart for more detail on Canadian Naval Rank and Appointment Insignia.