| History Of The Uniform back to 'Uniform'
In 1878, when The Christian Mission became in reality, the newly named Salvation Army, the familiar trappings of The Great Salvation War began to appear. Military terms became standard - church halls became corps; giving in the offering was called "firing a cartridge". Flags, badges, brass bands and uniforms were added together with a military style rank system for its staff. According to the years of service, position level of responsibility in the organisation, trimmings worn on the uniform indicated rank.
Even without religious motivation, the wearing of military ceremonial uniforms was widely popular among the working class men in the late 19th century in Britain.
view full size image
At first these marching Salvationists were anything but uniform, dressed in an odd assortment of clothing and headgear. It took almost two years to standardise Salvation Army uniform, but by the beginning of 1880 a standard navy blue serge uniform was introduced for both men and women. Men wore a high neck tunic with a stiff collar over a scarlet jersey. Their headgear was a military cap with a red band, on which the words The Salvation Army had been worked in gold letters. Women wore long navy skirts, close-fitting high neck tunics with white lace-edge collar. The large black straw bonnet was Catherine Booth's idea. Cheap, durable, protective and solidly unworldly, the bonnet with its red, band and huge ribbon bow became a well known symbol of The Great Salvation War.
The men however, continued for much longer to display individual preferment in headgear.
 
Pith helmets, toppers, derbies, sailor hats and discarded military band helmets proudly appeared adorned with a Salvation Army hatband until 1891, when Headquarters finally brought the troops under regulation caps-one hatband for officers, another for soldiers.
The great majority of pioneer Salvationists were proud of their uniforms because of the great crusade for which the uniform stood. Partly because of pride and because of economic necessity (officers and soldiers have always had to purchase their own uniforms and in 1890 a uniform would cost on average, three weeks' salary) many Salvationists wore their uniforms on any occasion where formal clothes would be expected. Weddings, funerals, family portraits, visiting relatives and town hall meetings would be some of the occasions one might expect to see the uniform.
Family Portrait c.1900
view full size image
In many countries where The Salvation Army commenced work, a specialised tailoring department was set up to ensure standard-isation of uniforms at a reasonable cost.
Up until recently women continued to wear a smaller version of the Victorian bonnet. However most countries around the world are now adopting the less-expensive felt bowler hat style. The high-collar tunics are also being replaced by an open-neck jacket using terylene as well as wool. (Today the cost of a uniform is an average weekly salary.)
According to culture and climate different uniforms may be worn in other countries. White, grey, beige, safari type with shorts or perhaps a sari with a Salvation Army sash. Not all Salvation Army members wear a uniform. It is a personal choice to do so, but the reason for wearing it remains unchanged.
It stands for:
- A commitment in the war against evil.
- As a personal testimony to the wearer's own Christian faith and practice.
- And signifies the availability of the Salvationist to anyone needing a helping hand and listening ear.
|