Canada, Commonwealth. A Canadian Red Cross Corps Tunic And Skirt, Worn By B. Harvey, By Eaton, 1944

Canadian Red Cross Corps tunic made from navy blue gabardine with dark grey-black lining, shoulders adorned with navy blue and dark grey-black lined straps secured with a single woven black leather shank button, notched collar, four reinforced buttoning holes on front right with corresponding woven black leather 25.4mm shank buttons on front left, two pleated button flap pockets with dark grey-black lining measuring 121.92 mm (w) x 121.92 (l) with reinforced button holes, right breast pocket hosts sewn in label with “Lot No. 8015 -- WVSC Name: B. HARVEY Date: 27 - 1 - 44”, navy belt measuring 895.35 mm sewed around black leather metal buckle measuring 44.45 mm (w) x 69.85 mm (h) with three thread reinforced buckle holes, two button patch pockets at hips with dark grey-black lining measuring 160.02 mm (w) x 152.4 mm (l), “Eaton’s Made Clothing” manufacture label located on interior right breast pocket, “CANADIAN RED CROSS CORPS” shoulder flash on both right and left shoulders, red cross arm badge located on upper left sleeve, navy blue and red chevron indicating Camp and Hospital Council Service and a six-pointed blue star patch on lower right sleeve, two small black buttons located vertically at wrists, pleated back with slit and two black belt holders, measuring 584.2 mm from shoulder to wrist, 419.1 mm across the shoulders and 641.35 mm total length. Accompanied by matching navy blue gabardine A-line skirt, knee length, lapped metal-toothed 175.26mm zipper located at back with black button closure, 8 vertical lines of stitches starting from waist band to bottom, label with “Lot No. 8015 -- WVSC Name: B. HARVEY Date: 27 - 1 - 44” sewn into inside of waistband, measuring 317.5 mm at the waist, 647.7 mm total length, mint condition.

Footnote: Silhouette of women’s clothing that emphasized the natural form of women’s bodies began gaining popularity in the 1930s. During World War II, many countries had regulations on clothing in order to reserve materials for the war effort; this meant eliminating trouser cuffs, ruching, frills and extra pockets and regulating the length of skirts. Emphasis was put on utility and typical skirted uniforms featured broad shoulders with shoulder pads, narrow hips and skirts ending just below the knee.

B. Harvey was a member of the Canadian Red Cross Corps and was featured on the March 1944 cover of McCall’s magazine reading a letter to a blind patient. She worked as a nurse as indicated by the navy blue and red chevron on her tunic sleeve.