For much of the war, Other Ranks in Home War Establishment Provost units in Canada wore a Serge Service Dress uniform of a pattern virtually identical to that worn during the First World War. The major visible differences were in the shape of the lower jacket pockets. The two Sergeants in the picture above are wearing different patterns of Service Dress, indeed the only uniformity in their uniforms appear to be their hats and boots.

Serge Service dress jackets were very similar to First World War issue, even down to the padded shoulders. The scalloped pocket flaps on this example are the main distinguishing feature. Brass collar badges and General Service buttons are worn.

Rear view of the jacket. Hooks for the waist belt are clearly visible.

Detail shot of the shoulder and collar insignia, showing the placement of the Company number below the shoulder title.

Trouser details showing the buttons for braces and the button fly. All trouser buttons are plastic.

Trouser label detail for a pair of size 16 trousers made by the Workman Uniform Company in 1940.

In 1942 a new pattern of Service Dress was introduced. Consisting of a jacket and trousers, it was issued only in Canada, and was intended to be a "Walking Out" uniform for off duty wear. It was made of the same rough serge as the previous service dress but had a stepped, open collar and no shoulder straps. A belt with a brass buckle was stitched to the back of the jacket. The jacket was worn with a Khaki Drill shirt and black necktie. Provost shouldertitles and Company numbers are worn in the usual positions on the jacket sleeves. As this was an off duty uniform, cuffed trousers and black shoes were worn.

New Pattern Serge jackets were distinctive in that they had open lapel collars and lacked shoulder straps.

Rear view of the jacket. The waistbelt is stitched permanently in place.

Shoulder and collar details. Note the absence of shoulder straps.

Typical New Pattern Service Dress jackel label.

Trouser cuff details.