Officer's greatcoat : Lieutenant H R Syme, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve

Officer's navy blue wool double breasted greatcoat, lined throughout with black polished cotton twill. The coat has a stand and fall collar, two rows of six gilded brass Royal Navy officer's buttons (made by Pitt & Co., 31 Maddox Street, London), an inset pocket with rectangular flap over each front hip, sword slit in the proper left seam, rear self fabric half belt secured by two buttons and an inverted pleat running down the centre back ending in an 18 inch vent secured by a single button.

Two artificial pocket flaps are sewn beneath the buttons of the half belt. A heavy duty metal hook and eye painted black holds the back pleat closed underneath the half belt. The front pockets are lined with cream cotton velveteen. The inside left front has a welt pocket set into the lining. A black and white woven manufacturer's label is sewn inside it reading 'MOSS BROS & Co Ltd COVENT GARDEN, LONDON. W.C. PHONE: TEMPLE BAR.4477'. Beneath, written in ink, is 'H.R. SYME'.

A triangular gusset is attached beneath the pocket opening with two small fabric covered buttons. It can be removed and attached to similar buttons placed underneath the front collar to hold it in place when worn upright in poor weather. A length of lightweight chain is sewn inside the back neck so that the coat can be hung from a peg.

Associated with the service of Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR). Syme was born on 28 February 1903 at Kew, Melbourne. His father, John Herbert, was a journalist, and his son settled into the family business (they published 'The Age' newspaper) as assistant manager before the war. As a keen amateur sailor, the 6 foot tall Syme was accepted in the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR) as part of the Yachtsman Scheme (whereby the Australian Naval Board provided personnel to the Admiralty via the RANVR).

He passed a navigation test and was appointed a probationary sub-lieutenant on 1 September 1940. Syme was soon mobilised to England and trained at HMS King Alfred. He was among the first group of Australians to be chosen to serve in the Rendering Mines Safe section and they received specialist training and were posted to HMS Vernon where the section was based.

Syme was promoted to lieutenant in mid December 1940. German bombing and air raids ensured the team had plenty of practice disarming unexploded mines and bombs. Syme rapidly developed a reputation for bravery, being awarded the George Cross and George Medal and bar for a string of successful mine recoveries. He is only one of eight people who have been awarded both the George Cross and George Medals for gallantry.

In January 1943 Syme returned to Australia following the deaths of his father and uncle, becoming temporary trustee of the family business. Despite his desire to return England, the RAN decided to keep him in Australia and utilise his expertise, setting him up in April 1943 at HMAS Cerberus as Commanding Officer of a bomb-disposal section. Little was asked of the section and Syme departed in December 1944, returning to the family business. In 1946 he was appointed general manager of 'The Age'. Syme returned to uniform briefly as part of Australia's Coronation Contingent in 1953. In 1948, Syme formed David Syme & Co. Ltd. He oversaw the company's entry into television in 1956 and was general manager until 1963. Syme was then director of the company until his death on 11 November 1965.