3. Children's uniform Corps of Army Maritime Engineers
This special uniform was created during the mobilization period for a child. It was completely crafted in the same way as the daily uniform made for Dutch soldiers during the mobilization. It consists of a full set with a jacket, pants, and a hat. The jacket features two chest pockets and what are known as “banana peels” on the sleeves indicating the rank of sergeant. The jacket is adorned with the same Dutch lion buttons as found on a pre-1940 Dutch military uniform. Non-commissioned officer emblems of the Army Maritime Engineer Corps are added to the collar. Even the pants are tailored in the same style as the daily uniform that was custom made by tailors to a standard model.
The uniform is particularly unique because it is very rare. A daily uniform was not exactly cheap to acquire during the mobilization period. It could cost between 40 and 60 gulden back in the day. Officers received an allowance to purchase such a uniform, but a soldier who had one made for their child, perhaps with the intention of playing in it, must have had a very good income for that time. In the photos below, we see the uniform on a child mannequin. It should give an idea of what it have looked like during that time.
