WW2 Canadian RCN Navy Housewife

The WW2 Canadian RCN Navy Housewife is a compact sewing kit issued to personnel of the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War. Commonly referred to as a “housewife” by servicemen, this small roll-up kit was designed to facilitate basic clothing repairs and maintenance while at sea or on deployment. Typical contents included needles, thread in various colours, spare buttons, and occasionally small pieces of fabric or darning wool. The cloth outer case, often marked with a service number or initials, was constructed for practicality and ease of storage within a duffel bag or uniform pocket. Issued as a standard part of a sailor’s personal equipment, the housewife reflects the self-sufficiency expected of naval personnel during wartime operations. Items such as these are of interest for their material connection to daily life in the Canadian military during the 1939–1945 period.