British WWII HMS Royal Oak Sailor’s Cap and Grouping

A rare and historically significant grouping comprising the cap and uniform effects of Boy 1st Class Gordon Gibson (P/JX 157592), aged 17, who perished aboard HMS Royal Oak during the tragic sinking at Scapa Flow in October 1939.

This poignant set includes a regulation blue-top Royal Navy ratings cap, featuring its original pale blue cotton lining typical of the pre-war period and fitted with the original gold-wire embroidered “HMS ROYAL OAK” cap tally, now gently dulled with age. The interior is name-stamped twice with ‘G. GIBSON’, one example inked in, and the cap retains its original dark blue chin tape. One minor moth nip is present to the crown, with light age toning to the lining.

Also included is the sailor’s black silk neck scarf, tailored in the centre for ease of wear – a common modification among ratings. The scarf is similarly name-stamped in white ink. Both garments were likely part of Gibson’s best dress uniform, left ashore with his family along with his Royal Navy-issued linen kit bag. The bag (25 x 15 inches) bears his stamped name, which was subsequently overstitched by hand, likely as part of boy sailor training.

Boy 1st Class Gordon Gibson was among the 835 men and boys lost when HMS Royal Oak was torpedoed at anchor by U-47 under the command of Günther Prien – one of the most shocking losses of the early war and a major blow to British morale. Gibson is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, and the grouping is accompanied by a file of supporting historical research material.

Ref; 93846