RARE 1940'S HOME GUARD CAPE

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HOME GUARD CAPE WITH ORIGINAL LABEL UnISSUED but the label is dated December 1940

During 1940 British manufacturing was being stretched to its limits, both by the sheer volume of goods required, but also due enemy action. Priority had to go to the regular forces, second line units like the Home Guard were a long way down the pecking order and various substitutes were provided that were unique to the force. Some of these substitute items were to remain in inventory throughout the war, others were to be quickly replaced when supplies of the original item were restored to normal levels. The cape was in the latter category and was a garment unique to the Home Guard.

The Home Guard Cape was a replacement for the greatcoat which was in short supply in late 1940 after air raids had severely disrupted the clothing industry in the East End of London. The Home Guard needed an over-garment to cover their thin denim uniforms which were insufficient to keep the you warm on cold nights and it was suggested that the ‘Austrian Pattern’ cape be used which would be simpler to manufacture than the service greatcoat. On 16th October 1940 500,000 capes were ordered, with delivery starting in November 1940. The cape is made of the same serge as the battledress, with five large buttons up the front:

The capes were unpopular, and as early as September 1941 moves were made to get rid of them and replace them with the greatcoat. Although a buyer was sought for the surplus capes none could be found and they soldiered on until the War Office relented and made them obsolete in November 1942, as supplies of greatcoats were sufficient at this point. These capes were quickly disposed of with little regret, today therefore they are a rare and unusual piece of Home Guard history and equipment

Two straps are sewn in to allow the cape to be worn over the shoulders, when not worn on the march and you can see in the black and white picture how it was worn.

Also there is a button and hole, this allow the cape to be buttoned into rudimentary sleeves. This you can see in the second black and white picture

Unfortunatly as you can see there is some minor moth holes that are hard to spot.  But one larger one (please see picture)

Please note the difference in colours is due to lighting