Is it true that at the start of World War II, US Navy officers would dye their white uniforms with coffee?
You can check the answer of the people under the question at Quora “dipping air forces in coffee“
Is it true that at the start of World War II, US Navy officers would dye their white uniforms with coffee?
You can check the answer of the people under the question at Quora “dipping air forces in coffee“
The only instance of that happening was in the Philippines when the crew of the stricken submarine tender Canopus dyed their whites with coffee in hopes of making them khaki colored so they would be better camouflaged in the jungle. It just made their whites look yellow instead.
Actually it was before WWII.
“Coffee has also “inspired” uniform colors :
KHAKI–originated in 1845 in India where British soldiers soaked white uniforms in mud, coffee, and curry powder to blend in with the landscape. Khakis made their debut in the U.S. Navy in 1912 when they were worn by naval aviators, and were adopted for submarines in 1931. In 1941 the Navy approved khakis for on- station wear by senior officers, and soon after Pearl Harbor chiefs and officers were authorized to wear khakis ashore on liberty.
“Or, in another version :
There is a story, probably not quite true, that coffee made a significant contribution to naval attire. There had been a dust-up in 1914 involving naval personnel on an island just off Mexico. We won’t go into detail, but suffice it to say some Americans wound up in jail (but you shouldda seen the other guys!). Anyway, the Marines, accompanied by a party of sailors, were going in to get them out. Problem was, the sailors had no appropriate attire, since their kit consisted of either blue woolens or dress whites, neither of which was deemed suitable for combat on a tropical shore. The problem was solved by an enterprising cook on a destroyer who dipped the whites into vats of coffee, thereby creating the first khakis. Well, maybe . . . it could’ve happened.
Sunday Ship History: Navy Coffee
Howdy, Officer basic colors Blue, Dress Whites, Khakis, Green Aviation for WW2. There was a Gray hat/uniform (black gang?) that became the submarine uniform. Now, in 1912/16 when the Navy invaded Vera Cruz, Mexico…sailors used coffee to dye white uniforms (summer) for service ashore. Navy White Dress for officers was reduced in use during WW2.
Not quite…. The idea of using coffee to cover oil stains and creating a working uniform predates the WWII in the US Navy.
This unofficial use of working uniform was done before the khaki color was codified into uniform regulations… It was allowed by Individual commands as a way of letting officers use uniforms for longer. During that era Chiefs did not wear a white uniform or khaki uniform but only a circular hat with the Chiefs insignia in their blues without stripes.
imagine how hard it is to keep a white uniform clean and environment now filled with smoke, coal, lubricating oils, and fuel oils.
The Navy first authorized a khaki uniform in 1913 as a practical garment for early naval aviators; they were given permission to wear Marine Corps khaki uniforms with naval insignia, when flying or working on aircraft.
khakis were authorized aboard submarines in 1931 an as a working uniform on all ships in 1941.
No, it is against regulations. The US Navy is a very spit and polish organization. They did drink a lot of coffee but in their utility clothes.