OBSERVER CORPS UNIFORM (PRE-1941)
Observers Corps members spotting and plotting during 1940
Prior to 1941 the main uniform consisted of a standard Police Duty Armband that was over-printed with the words 'Observer Corps' and a 'protective' steel helmet. Later boiler suits were used, however these were generally disliked due to the image that they gave. It was reported "The women in overalls resembled carriage cleaners and the men looked like third-rate plumbers assistants".
ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS UNIFORM (POST-1941)
Members of Stratford Post, East London c.1943
1941 saw the Observer Corps gain the 'Royal' title and at the same time control was transferred to the Royal Air Force. From 11 December of that year it was also announced in the House of Commons that members of the Corps would also be issued the standard RAF style battledress No.2 tunic over the next 2 years.
Commonly known as the 'hairy mary' the uniform generally had brass or black plastic ROC buttons instead of standard RAF buttons and included the standard tear-drop ROC breast badge.
Commonly known as the 'hairy mary' the uniform generally had brass or black plastic ROC buttons instead of standard RAF buttons and included the standard tear-drop ROC breast badge.
| ROC Badges - Location on RAF Style Battledress |
ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS UNIFORM (1972 PATTERN)
Her Majesty meeting observers from 7 Group - ROC Royal Review in 1991.
Known as the 1972 Pattern, the uniform was not in issue until late 1970's / early 1980's. Although the ROC was now under control of the UKWMO the new style of uniform still followed the RAF style. The uniform consisted of RAF blue trousers / skirt; light blue shirt / blouse and black tie.
For use within the underground monitoring posts green post overalls were issued which included the blue rectanglar ROC patch from 1986.
For use within the underground monitoring posts green post overalls were issued which included the blue rectanglar ROC patch from 1986.
| The ROC No.2 Dress Uniform (1972 Pattern) - A Guide to Fitting |
Image Sources: Top - T.E.Winslow, Forewarded is Forearmed. 1948; Middle - ROCA National Archive; Bottom - ROC Journal