We base ourselves on the United States Navy Shore Patrol from the World War Two era, 1939-1945. All our activites are carried out in line with the guidance given in the US Navy Shore Patrol Guidebook, quoted below and from veterans experiences.

"The Shore Patrol is an important component of the Navy. Within the service, it has great influence on discipline and morale: outside the service, it has a significant effect upon public opinion.

The responsibilites placed upon the Patrol are varied and heavy. The Shore Patrol must exhibit courtesy and a spirit of helpfulness in all their dealings with civilians and military personnel. They must present an example of competence in duty and smartness in bearing and behaviour".

US Navy Shore Patrol Manual 1942 

Odd facts.

• The flap on the back of the Sailors jumper originated as a protective cover for the uniform jacket. Sailors greased their hair to hold it in place, showers and bathing was a rare occurance.
• Bell bottomed trousers were worn so that Sailors could quickly and easily roll their trousers up above the knees when scrubbing decks or when landing a small boat on a beach in an attempt to keep their trousers dry and clean.
• The 3 white lines on the cuffs and flap of a Sailors Liberty Uniform originate from the British Navy where a series of white stripes were added to celebrate Nelson's Victories, the US navy simply copied the design and it is used soley for decorative effect and has no meaning in the US Navy.
• The 13 buttons on a Sailors trousers, termed "the 13 buttons of hell" (try undoing them quickly when you visit the "head" (toilet) originate from the first 13 states of the United States.
• The White "Dixie" cap originated from the 1880's and was worn as a low rolled brim to shield the sailor from the sun.
• The Sailors silk tie was used as a sweat band and also to tie up their long greased or pig tailed hair. 
• At the start of WWII the US Navy had 17 battleships-of which 8 would be knocked out on the first day of the war-four aircraft carriers and around 340,000 men including reservists.
• By 1945 it had 100 air craft carriers 41,000 aircraft and 3.3 million men. 

Pay

The 1940's US sailor was very well paid. The rank we re enact, Petty Officer First class (3 stripes) was paid a basic rate of $114 per month. If they served at sea or were posted overseas this rose by 20%. So at the current rate of exchange of approx $2 to £1 We would of been paid just under £70 per month.