Civvies Collection

General Bernard Montgomery visits his son David
Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (then just General Montgomery!) (1887-1976) visits his 15-year-old son David (David Montgomery)

Postwar poster, Don t keep him waiting for his civvies
Ministry of Supply postwar poster, Don t keep him waiting for his civvies -- our target is, each serviceman must have hat, suit, shirt, two collars, tie, two pairs of socks, pair of shoes, raincoat

A Group of British Army Officers, c. 1870s (b / w photo)
495398 A Group of British Army Officers, c.1870s (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A group of British Army Officers, probably in India.); English

Old Billisation by Bruce Bairnsfather
Old Bill got very severely checked the other day for anticipating demobilisation by wearing some mufti that he had sent out to him from home

Apres la Guerre no. 5 - postcard drawn by George Ranstead
Humorous drawing on a postcard by George Ranstead, an amateur soldier artist of the Great War. This image, one of a series suggesting what life might be like at the end of the war

Gordon, in Civvies
CHARLES GEORGE GORDON Military commander, in 1880. Date: 1833 - 1885

Members of the Aquashow Synchronised Swim Troupe (off-duty) at Bournemouth. Date: 1963

Moss Bros advertisement, end of WW1, demobilisation
Advertisement for Moss Bros Ltd, naval, military and civil outfitters informing customers of the changes at the store due to demobilisation following the end of the First World War

From Khaki to Mufti, Moss Bros advertisement, 1918
An advertisement from mens outfitters, Moss Bros, highlighting the transition of mens clothign from uniform back to civilian now that the war had ended

Reflections by Arthur Watts
A man tries on civilian clothes in a tailors or draper and considers his reflection which brings back memories of his time spent serving as a British soldier during World War One. Date: 1919

Are you in Khaki? by Fish
The courage that dares the shot and shell is infinitesimal compared to the bravery of the young man in mufti who in the restaurants dares the cutting contempt of the khaki-clad heroes

Armistice Day happy crowd 11th November 1918
A happy crowd of men and women, some in military uniform, some in civvies, in London on Armistice Day, 11th November 1918, surrounding a motor car. Date: 11th November 1918

Wolseley in Civvies
GARNET JOSEPH, first viscount WOLSELEY military commander, in civilian dress for a change ! Date: 1833 - 1913

Portrait of a young man - October 1939
A last photograph in civilian clothes for a while. George Garland Collection West Sussex Record Office Ref. No. Garland N18794

The Lighter Side by Bernard Hugh
A Tommy (on furlough pending discharge): Blimey! I should fancy I had my bathing costume on. A soldier returning home weighed down with a greatcoat, boots, rifle

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"Civvies: A Journey from Uniform to Freedom" In a heartwarming moment, General Bernard Montgomery pays a visit to his son David, who has just returned home from the war. The sight of them together is a testament to the sacrifices made by countless families during times of conflict. As we delve into history, Bruce Bairnsfather's iconic cartoon "Old Billisation" captures the essence of soldiers longing for their civilian lives. It reminds us that behind every uniform lies an individual yearning for normalcy and peace. Postwar posters urge demobilization with urgency - "Don't keep him waiting for his civvies. " These simple words encapsulate the desire of every serviceman to shed their military attire and embrace civilian life once again. A black-and-white photograph takes us back to the 1870s, where British Army officers stand proudly in their uniforms. Little did they know that decades later, Moss Bros would advertise their transition "From Khaki to Mufti, " marking the end of World War I and celebrating newfound freedom. Gordon stands tall in his civvies, representing countless veterans who have successfully reintegrated into society after serving their country. Their resilience serves as an inspiration for all those facing challenges on their path towards normalcy. The Aquashow Synchronized Swim Troupe showcases another side of post-war life – individuals coming together in harmony and gracefulness. They remind us that even amidst chaos and destruction, beauty can emerge through unity and collaboration. Advertisements by Moss Bros at the end of World War I depict soldiers shedding khaki uniforms for stylish civilian clothing. This shift symbolizes not only fashion trends but also liberation from years spent on battlefields. Arthur Watts' reflections offer insight into what it means to leave behind a life defined by duty and enter one filled with choices and possibilities. His words resonate with anyone who has experienced such a transformative journey firsthand. Fish's song "Are you in Khaki.