If you've followed my posts, you know I love tartans, in part, because of the stories that are associated with them. Well, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) tartan is one of Canada's national treasures, and it has a wonderfully storied history.
The tale begins on "Robbie Burns Night," Jan. 25, 1942 in Summerside, P.E.I. Group Captain Elmer G. Fullerton, a Nova Scotian commanding No. 9 Service Flying Training School, had formed a pipe band to perform that night, and decided it should be dressed in regalia that included a tartan reflecting the air force colours. The design he sketched out was sent to a weaving house in New Brunswick which added a white line to his maroon and blue pattern.
Fullerton then submitted the tartan to his superiors. It was approved by the air force in May 1942 and officially recognized later that year by the Lord Lyon, King of Arms of Scotland. At this point, the RCAF became the first air force in the world with its own official tartan.
Canada's armed forces came into their own during the Second World War, fighting for the first time as Canadians rather than as members of Britain's armed services. The RCAF tartan was just one of the many ways the nation served notice it was fighting on behalf of Canada and not just as a dominion of the British empire.
In 1968, Canada's armed forces were unified and the tartan was abolished, along with the distinctive blue uniforms worn by its airmen. Instead, all members of Canada's armed forces were dressed in generic green uniforms. However, the RCAF Association, a group of air force veterans, preserved samples of the tartan when the RCAF stocks were destroyed. In the late 1980s, when distinctive uniforms for the army, navy and air commands were restored, the RCAF tartan was also resurrected. Thanks to the foresight of the RCAF Association, samples of the tartan were available so the fabric could once again be woven and worn by Canada's service men and women.
Today, the RCAF tartan is worn by members of 402 Squadron and 17 Wing Winnipeg. It is also worn by Air Command Pipes and Drums, which was officially created in October 1949 and is the longest continuously serving Canadian air force pipe band. It constitutes part of the Air Force mess kit as a cummerbund, and is favoured by serving and retired members of Canada's air force.
The RCAF tartan 100% wool, made-in-Canada fabric we offer has always been a best-seller. We have shipped it around the world to serving air force members, as well as to retired members and their families. As swatches, the fabric has a place of honour as the background in many framed displays of medals and photographs commemorating the contribution of Canadian veterans.
Now, we are thrilled to be able to also offer this tartan in a washable, suiting-weight fabric. The specifications are as follows:
- 65% polyester/35% viscose
- machine wash/dry
- sett size 7.5"
- width 60”
- suggested uses:
- casual kilts and pleated skirts
- scarves and sashes
- ties and cummerbunds
- jackets, vests and waistcoats
- table coverings
- drapes
I don't recommend it for heavy upholstery projects, but this polyviscose blend fabric would look incredible if used in a den as drapes and throw cushions.
If you can add to or correct any of the information I have provided here, I would welcome hearing from you!
