On this page Steve Daly summarizes the major trends and changes in GWR uniform colours and styles – with an emphasis on the early years when the basic features were established. The information is based on J. N. Slinn's Great Western Way from the HMRS.
A few photos are provided here, but the best sources of photographic reference are the various published line histories, which often include group photos of GWR station staff etc. Online photos of GWR uniforms are rather rare, but you might want to have a look at Signalling People.
Overview of GWR uniform trends |
1838 |
All uniform coat colours |
Dark rifle green edged with scarlet Gilt buttons |
Guards |
Frock coats & waistcoats with the letters "GWR" on the fall of the collar |
Porters |
Sleeved jackets with an armband carrying their number in red surrounded by the company name |
Conductors |
Worked in "mufti" with a lapel badge to indicate their role |
Engine drivers |
White fustian jackets (Fustian was a hard wearing fabric of cotton mixed with flax or wool) |
All uniformed grades |
Top hats of glazed beaver |
Booking Clerks & other office staff at stations |
No uniform |
By 1839 |
Porters |
Green corduroy |
1851 |
Guards |
Top hats replaced by caps. Caps described as "typical Great Western", with small peaks, flat tops and stiff comparatively deep sides (sounds similar to the French kepi) |
By 1852 |
Porters |
Top hats replaced by caps. Change from green to brown corduroy (in the hope that it wouldn't show the dirt!) |
1855 |
Engine Drivers |
White fustian jackets abandoned |
By 1859 |
Porters |
Corduroy colour changed back from brown to green |
All staff (including Policemen) |
All staff now wear caps |
1863 |
Uniform colours of all grades except Porters |
Uniforms changed from dark green to dark blue |
1865 |
Station Masters |
Uniform caps of the standard pattern, but of a superior cloth & a gold braided peak |
1876 |
Porters |
Sleeved waistcoats for summer wear. Corduroy coat in winter |
1902 |
Most grades (except Station Master) |
Soft caps introduced |
Guards |
Serge jackets replaced frock coats |
Signalmen & Ticket Collectors |
Serge jackets replaced police tunics |
Porters |
Lost their numbered armbands |
Inspectors, Guards & Foremen |
Grades marked on front of caps |
Station Masters |
Gilt wreath around initials "GWR" on front of cap. |
From 1902 onwards |
All grades |
Basic designs lasted till end of GWR. The cut of uniforms (incl. caps) kept pace with the changes in fashion so as not to look too old fashioned. |
Date unknown (post-1902) |
Porters |
Uniform colour changed to Dark Blue |