Submariner's String Vest

Conversations at the Christmas tree cabin.


This rather ropey looking string vest was brought in by one of my colleagues today. Its interest lies in the fact that it belonged to his grandfather who was a submariner in the second world war. I hadn't known that they were issue or that they were so very stringy! The label said they were manufactured by Lillywhites. 
When I looked it up on the internet the question most asked about them was, were they supposed to be worn next to the skin or with a shirt under them, to stop the rub?  The definitive answer seemed to be, next to the skin but that they were excruciating nipple scrapers!


This is what my sailing helm, a submariner Commander had to say, when I asked him if he had come across them.
‘Ah yes, I remember getting issued with one of those plus some very itchy cream coloured woolly long johns and a white knitted poloneck sweater.  Grat issue to all submariners but not needed in nuclear submarines with heating and air conditioning.  Not sure where mine went but I don't think I ever wore them?
PS Lillywhites must have had the war time contract, much too posh for peace time crew!!’


So, on the whole, not a garment that will be making a comeback in its original form. In fact, the Christmas tree netting looks to be a far more comfortable proposition.