Tartan Gift Shop c1960 catalogue

[Downunder Kilt]

What I find interesting is that the piper seems to be wearing RCAF tartan.

My impression that it was Anderson, possibly in ancient colours.

[ThistleDown]

Yes, it's probably the Anderson, but the RCAF was "designed" by William Anderson (now Kinloch Anderson) in the 40s, so there's probably not much difference.

[Dixiecat]

Yes, it's probably the Anderson, but the RCAF was "designed" by William Anderson (now Kinloch Anderson) in the 40s, so there's probably not much difference.

I think you're right about the Anderson now that I have my glasses on, but according to the RCAF:

The story of the RCAF tartan goes back to January 1942.

Group Captain Elmer G. Fullerton, station commander of No. 9 Service Flying Training School, RCAF Station Summerside, P.E.I., wanted to celebrate his Scottish heritage by organizing a "Robbie Burns Night" mess dinner.

He borrowed bagpipes for his station band and searched for a suitable tartan to outfit the band in full Scottish regalia. G/C Fullerton decided to design an original pattern that represented the Air Force. With coloured pencils in hand, he produced the prototype using light blue, dark blue and maroon colours. The original sample of a proposed RCAF Tartan was created by Patricia Jenkins and Loom crofters of Gagetown, N.B., with the Gagetown weavers also adding a white line in the design.

G/C Fullerton ordered a sample of the material to be sent to RCAF Headquarters in Ottawa for approval. The design was endorsed by Air Council and Air Vice-Marshal J. A. Sully sent it off to Scotland's Lord Lyon, King of Arms for approval in July 1942. The approval was granted on Aug. 15, 1942 and the design was officially registered as the RCAF tartan. Thus the RCAF became the first air force in the world to have its own distinctive tartan. The speed of the process from original concept to final approval in a period of eight months is truly awe-inspiring.

Almost a total variance for the Tartan Authority entry. Interesting reading all 'round!

[OC Richard]

decided to design an original pattern that represented the Air Force. With coloured pencils in hand, he produced the prototype... the Gagetown weavers also adding a white line in the design.

The speed of the process from original concept to final approval in a period of eight months is truly awe-inspiring.

well the speed would have been awe-inspiring had their been anything original about it!

[creagdhubh]

My impression that it was Anderson, possibly in ancient colours.

Indeed.