Royal Mail Uniform circa 1995

Opeias · Post by **Opeias** » 21 Jul 2016, 02:21

Hi everyone;
I was so glad to see there was a specific website set up to cater to people knowledgeable about the Royal Mail. I have been attempting for a while to ascertain something about Royal Mail uniforms and the internet has been almost useless.

I am an author working on a piece set in 1995, and the main character is a postal worker; particular attention is given to the red jacket he wears.
Put simply - was there any role or job at the Royal Mail that kitted out its employees with red coats or jackets? I'm aware current uniform involves a striking red fleece, but the piece I am working on currently is set in 1995, and I wish to be accurate.
If "current" uniform as of '95 didn't involve any red coats or jackets, would there have been anything issued prior that people would still have worn while on the job?
Furthermore, would anyone be able to describe one of these items of clothing? Photographs would be immensely helpful but a textual description will be more than enough.

My reasons for wishing to know are twofold - I want to be accurate both in terms of history and appearance.
Many thanks to everyone - I really appreciate it.
Opeias

Post by **baldrick** » 21 Jul 2016, 10:02

Hi Opeias! I don't think there was any item of uniform that was red in 1995. The uniform has changed over the the years, but I believe in 1995 it was a dark blue uniform. The jacket was dark blue 'suit style' with epaulettes, supposedly reflecting Victorian postal uniform. We didn't have fleeces then, but dark blue 'tank top' type sleeveless cardigans, or heavier dark blue 'military style' pullovers with epaulettes and reinforced shoulders and elbows. The waterproof coats were dark blue with red trim, and the winter coats were dark blue padded three quarter length jackets with epaulettes and detachable sleeves. Shirts were light blue with epaulettes.
I stand to be corrected, but I will see if I can find any pictures of uniforms from that time.

Edit: I don't think there were any red coats prior to that either. When I started in RM in 1981 the uniform was grey. Light grey for summer, and dark grey for winter, with a black 'crombie' style overcoat.

Post by **baldrick** » 21 Jul 2016, 10:50

Well I've had a look at internet images, and it seems that letter carriers wore scarlet frock coats around 1780-1860. I can't see any other red coats, until after 2000, except for these images from the Daily Mail. I can't see any date for them, but I don't think they were ever issued. They might have been a trial or suggested uniform which wasn't adopted.

article-2114077-121EA10D000005DC-467_634x421.jpg

I suggest you contact the Postal Museum, Freeling House, London WC1X 0DL, who should be able to give you more information and pictures of uniform in 1995.
Their tel no is 0207 239 2570, and email is info@postalmuseum.org

Opeias · Post by **Opeias** » 21 Jul 2016, 12:28

baldrick wrote:I suggest you contact the Postal Museum, Freeling House, London WC1X 0DL, who should be able to give you more information and pictures of uniform in 1995.
Their tel no is 0207 239 2570, and email is info@postalmuseum.org

Thanks very much for looking into it, Baldrick. I'll have a word with them and see what they come out with.
Thank you for scouring your memory!
O