At the beginning of the Second World War the primary shirt worn by Canadian other ranks was collarless and made of either flannel or cotton. Light cotton shirts with collars were also on issue, for summer wear with Canadian Pattern Khaki Drill uniforms. A wide variety of issued shirts, with or without collars were availible by 1945, primarily of Canadian or British origin, although a large quantity of American wool shirts were on issue to Canadians in North-West Europe.

Until 1944, Canadian other ranks were not permitted to wear a collared shirt with a tie with battledress, although black neckties had been worn with service dress since 1942. In late 1944 other ranks were issued black cotton neckties for wear off duty with battledress.

Typical Canadian flannel collarless shirt. Dated 1940, this pattern was in use throughout the war.

Late war manufacture Canadian wool winter or cold weather shirt. Note the Canadian military inspector's stamp at the bottom.

Closeup of the Canadian inspectors stamp on the above shirt.

Other rank's issue black necktie.

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Officers

Officers normally purchased their uniforms from a tailor or officer's outfitter, although some items, including shirts, might be obtained from QM stores on repayment. Officer's shirts are generally tailored and have detachable collars, following civilian gentleman's fashion of the time. Collars were held in place by metal or sometimes ivory studs. Neckties were usually green or khaki cotton or silk with Service Dress and wool lampwick with Battledress. The necktie and collar were often secured by a metal collar pin.

Officer's private purchase shirt with attached collar and detachable epaulettes.

Detail of the above shirt and detachable epaulettes.

Officer's private purchase cotton shirt with separate collar.

Detail of an officer's private purchase wool shirt with detachable collar.

Cotton and wool detachable collars.