US Navy Uniform and Formal Dress

In the wake of Japan’s campaign in Southeast Asia US Naval bases in the Philippines had to be evacuated. In March 1942 the US forces made way for Fremantle, an international port that was isolated and, at the time, not otherwise accustomed to a large amount of visitation. From the outset the Americans got things moving. The 1000-ton slipway alongside the Maritime Museum was built to provide repair facilities for the fleet, and US Navy depot ships and submarines became common sights in the harbour. Many local buildings were taken over including the Old Women’s Home, now the Fremantle Arts Centre.

Who would want to eat ice cream in winter? The Americans did, so the Peter’s Ice Cream factory went into year-round production. Entertainment venues had to open more frequently and ‘swing’ music was heard everywhere. Leisure spots such as Araluen Gardens, the Perth Zoo and the Dalkeith Hot Springs suddenly saw numbers of visitors unheard of in the past. Where young hearts meet, romance blossoms, and there was a surge in the numbers of engagements and weddings held in Perth. Sadly, some relationships were cut short by the loss of a submarine crew in action. Displayed here are the uniform and formal dress owned by two sweethearts from that time, treasured mementos of their early years together.