TRANSCRIPT

The first group of men from the Port Arthur Naval Division sent for naval training at Esquimalt went in March 1938. Their return brought such enthusiastic publicity, and a subsequent high-volume of recruits, that a waiting list had to be established.

It is interesting to note that in 1938 proper kit for one seaman cost $150. This included summer and winter uniforms, and enough additional kit to last one year in the service. Today the cost of outfitting a naval recruit is approximately $600 and consists of a naval combat dress uniform (NCDs) and a dress uniform (DEUs).