Evolution of Uniforms and Accoutrements

NWMP constables in dress uniform.

The first NWMP uniform was modeled after the British military uniform. Sir John A. Macdonald wanted the uniforms to be simple and practical - the obvious choice was the Norfolk jacket.

This jacket was already in common use, but for the police, would have a blue stand up collar buttoned to the neck. It fit loosely, was made of heavy scarlet serge with a wool lining and had lots of pockets.

The men wore a brown leather belt, either dark blue cavalry patter overalls with a double white stripe down the side or tan or grey cord breeches, black boots and either a pill box cap or white helmet.

After the rigours of the March West, no original uniforms survived.

The basic uniform for non-commissioned officers and regular officers was similar to that of the enlisted men, only decorated with different amounts and types of gold braid.

An inspector, for instance, would have gold braid around his collar, signs of his rank on his shoulders, and Austrian knots above his wrists.

This staff sergeant shows the gold braid found on the uniforms of the higher ranks.

For the men on the prairies, a supply of new uniforms was difficult to obtain. Most of the men ended up wearing clothes made of buckskin, moccasins, and a felt or Stetson hat, items available at local trading posts or that could be made from local materials.