Oldest oilskins

[binch]

I have just stopped the mate from ditching my oilskins. She says they are as disgusting as a wet dog that has just rolled in something nasty.
THESE OILSKINS SAVED MY LIFE.
They are also the oldest items of clothing I possess.
They were given to me in 1947 as part of an Admiralty scheme to replace the old, sticky oilskin coats and trousers with smock type made of plastic. I think they were the prototype of what has now become standard.
One feature, apart from very heavy gauge (which made bending difficult, recommended for naval officers) was that the top consisted of a longish smock that fastened tight round the neck. With a towel in place and drawn tight, they were water and airtight.
I went overboard from a 50 sq metre windfall one night in 1950 at about 0500, just off the Nab.. The crew could not find me.
I was picked up unconscious about 0700 off Southsea beach by a 4-oared gig rowed by the Royal Engineers Rowing Club.
They fed me hot tea in their club-house, then took me "home" to my cabin in the Staff Officcers' mess in the dockyard.
At about 1100 I went to the heads and collapsed on the stairs, and then spent 6 weeks in Haslar hospital with pneumonia and pleurisy.
NB nobody knew much about hypo thermia in those days.
So you see why I like those oilskins. The air got under the smack and kept me upright and afloat.
I want to be buried in them one day.

 

[rotrax]

I have just stopped the mate from ditching my oilskins. She says they are as disgusting as a wet dog that has just rolled in something nasty.
THESE OILSKINS SAVED MY LIFE.
They are also the oldest items of clothing I possess.
They were given to me in 1947 as part of an Admiralty scheme to replace the old, sticky oilskin coats and trousers with smock type made of plastic. I think they were the prototype of what has now become standard.
One feature, apart from very heavy gauge (which made bending difficult, recommended for naval officers) was that the top consisted of a longish smock that fastened tight round the neck. With a towel in place and drawn tight, they were water and airtight.
I went overboard from a 50 sq metre windfall one night in 1950 at about 0500, just off the Nab.. The crew could not find me.
I was picked up unconscious about 0700 off Southsea beach by a 4-oared gig rowed by the Royal Engineers Rowing Club.
They fed me hot tea in their club-house, then took me "home" to my cabin in the Staff Officcers' mess in the dockyard.
At about 1100 I went to the heads and collapsed on the stairs, and then spent 6 weeks in Haslar hospital with pneumonia and pleurisy.
NB nobody knew much about hypo thermia in those days.
So you see why I like those oilskins. The air got under the smack and kept me upright and afloat.
I want to be buried in them one day.

I believe that many US Sailors saved themselves in the Pacific by tying knots in their trouser legs. the air trapped in the legs kept them afloat when they sat astride them,one leg in front,one behind.

 

[Babylon]

I have just stopped the mate from ditching my oilskins. She says they are as disgusting as a wet dog that has just rolled in something nasty.
THESE OILSKINS SAVED MY LIFE.
They are also the oldest items of clothing I possess.
They were given to me in 1947...

... I want to be buried in them one day.

She's probably right. I've got my Ming-O-Matic digital smell filter on the highest setting, and have still had to open the window. BUT they are your special oilies and she has no right to have an opinion on them, let alone attempt to throw them out!

Well done for surviving, by the way.

 

[Mark-1]

I have just stopped the mate from ditching my oilskins. She says they are as disgusting as a wet dog that has just rolled in something nasty.
THESE OILSKINS SAVED MY LIFE.
They are also the oldest items of clothing I possess.
They were given to me in 1947 as part of an Admiralty scheme to replace the old, sticky oilskin coats and trousers with smock type made of plastic. I think they were the prototype of what has now become standard.
One feature, apart from very heavy gauge (which made bending difficult, recommended for naval officers) was that the top consisted of a longish smock that fastened tight round the neck. With a towel in place and drawn tight, they were water and airtight.
I went overboard from a 50 sq metre windfall one night in 1950 at about 0500, just off the Nab.. The crew could not find me.
I was picked up unconscious about 0700 off Southsea beach by a 4-oared gig rowed by the Royal Engineers Rowing Club.
They fed me hot tea in their club-house, then took me "home" to my cabin in the Staff Officcers' mess in the dockyard.
At about 1100 I went to the heads and collapsed on the stairs, and then spent 6 weeks in Haslar hospital with pneumonia and pleurisy.
NB nobody knew much about hypo thermia in those days.
So you see why I like those oilskins. The air got under the smack and kept me upright and afloat.
I want to be buried in them one day.

Terrific story, thanks for sharing.

 

[sailorman]

Mine are in "Yum Yum Yellow" i have been told that sharks prefer yellow but i doubt i will ever get to see one ( hopefully )

 

[VO5]

I have just stopped the mate from ditching my oilskins. She says they are as disgusting as a wet dog that has just rolled in something nasty.
THESE OILSKINS SAVED MY LIFE.
They are also the oldest items of clothing I possess.
They were given to me in 1947 as part of an Admiralty scheme to replace the old, sticky oilskin coats and trousers with smock type made of plastic. I think they were the prototype of what has now become standard.
One feature, apart from very heavy gauge (which made bending difficult, recommended for naval officers) was that the top consisted of a longish smock that fastened tight round the neck. With a towel in place and drawn tight, they were water and airtight.
I went overboard from a 50 sq metre windfall one night in 1950 at about 0500, just off the Nab.. The crew could not find me.
I was picked up unconscious about 0700 off Southsea beach by a 4-oared gig rowed by the Royal Engineers Rowing Club.
They fed me hot tea in their club-house, then took me "home" to my cabin in the Staff Officcers' mess in the dockyard.
At about 1100 I went to the heads and collapsed on the stairs, and then spent 6 weeks in Haslar hospital with pneumonia and pleurisy.
NB nobody knew much about hypo thermia in those days.
So you see why I like those oilskins. The air got under the smack and kept me upright and afloat.
I want to be buried in them one day.

How interesting, what an experience !
Were you issued with a sou'wester hat with chinstrap as well ?
Any chance of a picture ? ?

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Fantastic story binch, thanks for telling it. Keep the bloody things for godsake and be buried in them as you wish!

 

[Baggy]

+1 Great story.. bet you have a few more to tell

 

[Sandyman]

+1 Great story.. bet you have a few more to tell

Being ex-pusser he will always have plenty of dits ( Naval slang for stories) to tell