Original WW1 Royal Marine Zeebrugge Veteran Uniform Grouping

Code: 51568

A fantastic original uniform grouping which belonged to Sergeant Thomas Haynes 24389 who served with the Royal Marines during the Great War and fought at the battle of Zeebrugge. 

This historically significant grouping consists of Sergeant Haynes Dress Tunic, Peaked Cap (with original storage tin), kit bag and photograph. Kept by the family since the Great War, this set is offered to the open market for the first time. Sergeant Haynes fought during World War One, most notably as part of the famous Zeebrugge raid in April 1918. According to the family he was aboard HMS Vindictive and was put on the ballot for a Victoria Cross but was not awarded one. There is undoubtedly a lot of scope for further research!

The tunic is a stunning example which has survived very well over the last 100 years. Cut from a navy blue melton wool the tunic features a full set of brass Kings crown Royal Marines buttons which are located to the front of the jacket, at the cuff and to the epaulettes. The epaulettes are made of yellow rope with a similar rope used as an edging around the red stand collar. The collar features embroidered Royal Marine collar badges in yellow and red. A leather tab is located to the reverse of the collar opening to shield the wearers neck from rubbing on the collar clasps. The cuff of the jacket is beautiful featuring yellow tape and brass Royal Marines buttons. Above this detail on the left sleeve is a Royal Marines sergeant stripe of yellow on a red field. The rear features a similar detail to the cuff with yellow tape and brass buttons. As can be seen in the pictures the tunic is in excellent condition and displays extremely well. 

Next comes the peaked cap which is again a nice example and typical of the era.  It features a short peak with green underside and a narrow chin strap which is held in place with the correct brass buttons. The cap has a central red band  to the centre front of which is fitted with a brass Kings crown Royal Marines cap badge. Inside the cap features an oil cloth sweatband in black. To the reverse of this the size is stamped in purple ink and reads '6 3/4'. The hat is in good condition with some signs of wear and age as detailed in the pictures. There is some light mothing to the top of the cap and a nip to edge above the sweatband amongst other small flaws but overall it displays very well. 

Sergeant Haynes white kit bag is also included with the grouping and bears his name 'T C Haynes' and number to the base in ink. As well as this a copy of a picture depicting Sgt Haynes with Sir Admiral Keyes taken in 1919 attending the Victoria Cross ceremony for the battle. 

The history behind this grouping is truly amazing and would undoubtedly make a fantastic addition to any Great War collection.