The Second World War
The Merchant Navy  - Serving with the Merchant Navy

During the Second World War, Canadian and Allied merchant mariners faced the constant hard work of operating and maintaining their ships, the threat of enemy attack, and the dangers of accidents and storms.

Merchant Navy Uniform, Clovis Ira Bordeleau

This uniform belonged to Clovis Ira Bordeleau, who joined Canada's merchant navy as a 16-year-old cadet in 1942.

The jacket sleeves have the single stripe indicating Bordelau's rank of Third Officer, and the cap has the merchant navy officer's badge. Bordeleau served in the North Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea. He subsequently joined the Canadian army during the Korean War, and retired from the military in the 1970s. As part of the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association (CMNVA), he was involved in the campaign to obtain recognition and benefits for merchant navy veterans.

Service Dress Uniform
Cap, CWM 20080034-001
Jacket, CWM 20080034-002
Trousers, CWM 20080034-003