Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Regimental Blazer

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Overview

The sartorial term blazer originated with the red "blazers" of the Lady Margaret Boat Club (1825), the rowing club of St. John's College, Cambridge. The Lady Margaret club jackets were termed blazers because of the bright red cloth, and the term survived the original red coat. Parallel with this development was the reefer jacket of naval origin and described as a short double-breasted jacket worn by sailors in harsh weather, when they performed duties, such as reefing the sails. Both these origins evolved to what is now commonly described by the term blazer. a modern dark jacket resembling a suit jacket, but cut more casually, single as well as double breasted (boating jacket), and with metallic buttons.
Where the blazer is part of the dress of an armed service regimental association or veterans' organisation, it is normal for a badge to be sewn to the breast pocket. The blazer is normally paired with grey trousers.

Historical information

In more formal times there was a greater consistency and formality of dress and deportment on Anzac Day parades and other military anniversaries. It was customary to find most participants in regimental accoutrements (headgear, blazer and tie). Such presentation is less common today except where schools march in organised groups. The participation of schools is a particular feature of the Anzac Day march in Albany which also includes a "Veterans' Salute to Youth".

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-012

Inscriptions and markings

Another variation, periodically in and out of style is the striped blazer with vertical stripes reminiscent of the regimental colours.

Contextual Information

The Australian Army Museum of Western Australia has multiple examples of Regimental blazers displayed throughout the Galleries in a variety of styles and colours.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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