Seamans blue full dress jumper : 3rd Class Petty Officer R S Cowan, United States Navy Construction Battalion

Places
Accession Number REL29248.001
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Uniform
Physical description Wool flannel; Cotton; Plastic
Maker Naval Clothing Factory
Date made c 1942
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Dark blue wool flannel seaman's full dress square rig jumper with a square blue fall collar edged with three rows of white cotton tape. There is a white embroidered star in each of the lower corners of the collar. Three rows of the same white tape are attached to each cuff. The cuffs close with two black plastic buttons impressed with an anchor. There is an inset welt pocket below the left shoulder. The upper left sleeve bears an embroidered circular 'Seabees' patch (2nd pattern) in dark green, yellow and white, showing a flying cartoon bee facing to the left holding a submachine gun in its front two legs. The next leg is holding a monkey wrench and the last leg is holding a hammer. The bee wears a USN sailors cap. Under the bee the word 'SEABEES' is embroidered in white. Below this patch is a white embroidered shield-shaped patch for a 3rd Class Petty Officer Baker showing an eagle with wings outstretched. Beneath the eagle is a white crescent under which is a red flannel chevron. On the lower left sleeve, above the cuff, is a small patch for the Construction Battalion, with the letters 'CB' embroidered in white with a white diamond shaped border. Below the left shoulder is a small diamond shaped patch bearing a yellow embroidered eagle within a circle indicating that the wearer has been honourably discharged. The lower left sleeve above the cuff has a small black patch for a Rifle Sharpshooter showing a white square border around a white circle with a white target spot in the centre. There is a printed cotton manufacturer's label under the collar.

History / Summary

Associated with 3rd Class Petty Officer (Baker) Richard S Cowan of the Seabees United States Navy Construction Battalion, the 'Seabees'. The Seabees were formed from Naval Reserve Construction Units after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. The battalion was made up of 'builders who could fight' while working on maritime construction projects during the war throughout the Pacific and Euopean theatres. Cowan served on Hawaii and on the island of Tinian, north of Guam, in the Marianas group.