Polaris Tartan

**fhpdo** · 17th February 06, 08:52 PM

I have a couple of questions concerning the Polaris Navy (submarine) tartan.
I am especially looking for the opinions of you guys that are vets , no matter what branch. I am considering getting a kilt made in this tartan and would like opinions on if it would be appropriate for me to wear. I was not in the Navy but my father was and was also a submariner. I would be wearing this tartan to honor him ,but I don't want step on anyones toes in the process. I realize that anyone can wear what they like but I am very respectful of the military tartans and respect the fact that they should be earned but would love to know how you guys feel.
Thanks in advance
John

**CameronTaylor** · 17th February 06, 09:04 PM

Isn't honor they father and mother one of the commandments? God says you can wear it ...

CT - and I won't argue with Him.

**fhpdo** · 17th February 06, 09:54 PM

I love your logic CT.
John

**Andrew Breecher** · 18th February 06, 12:43 AM

I can't think of a single person who would fault you for wearing a tartan to honour the service your father gave to his country.

Andrew.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 18th February 06, 05:27 AM

All I can do is caution you that I have encountered some folks over the years who have actually served on the Polaris, some of which were wearing the tartan, who expressed the deeply held opinion that unless you actually served on the submarine, you have no business wearing the tartan.

I just reviewed the notes on file in the ITI for the tartan, and no mention was made about it being restricted in any way. So if you wanted to get a kilt from the tartan, there should be no problem there.

If anyone asks you why you are wearing the tartan, and you tell them that your father served on the Polaris, then I doubt anyone would have a real problem with that (though read the top paragraph -- some might). However, if your father was in the Navy but never served on the Polaris, you might consider instead the Edzell Navy tartan.

The Edzell tartan was originally designed for the Edzell Navy base in Scotland, however it is regularly used by any and all in the Navy, regardless of whether or not they ever set foot on the Edzell base. The Polaris tartan, on the other hand, seems in practice to be used only by those who actually served on the Polaris.

Aye,
Matt

**highlander_Daz** · 18th February 06, 06:04 AM

I can only add that in the UK, its appropriate to wear the medals of a deceased relitive at formal occasions, and you sometimes see widows/children wear in Glangarries/tams etc, On rememberance sunday I wear Gordon Tartan because of family connections to the Gordon Highlanders -Ive never served in the Gordon Highlanders (Im not old enough!!!) but many veterans have come and said how nice it is to see the Gordon Tartan still being worn, Ive never had a veteran challange me becasue I never served with the Gordons. (and im not called Gordon).

how about writing to the commanding officer? or charman of an association ?for a yay or nay?

In my mind honouring ones family, especially one who have served in the military is something that really should be encourged, especially by young people.

**Freedomlover** · 20th February 06, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by fhpdo

I have a couple of questions concerning the Polaris Navy (submarine) tartan.
I am especially looking for the opinions of you guys that are vets , no matter what branch. I am considering getting a kilt made in this tartan and would like opinions on if it would be appropriate for me to wear. I was not in the Navy but my father was and was also a submariner. I would be wearing this tartan to honor him ,but I don't want step on anyones toes in the process. I realize that anyone can wear what they like but I am very respectful of the military tartans and respect the fact that they should be earned but would love to know how you guys feel.
Thanks in advance
John

As a 16 year submarine vet I say GO FOR IT. FHP is a sharp looking bunch, so I have no doubt you will do the Navy nothing but honor.

**Verlyn** · 20th February 06, 07:38 PM

As a dolphin wearer myself, my vote is to go for it; especially since it is in honor of your father. Now, if you were to wear dolphins, that's a different story since they have to be earned; but I think the polaris tartan would be a grand tribute. I want one, but at $85 a yard for a special run, that one will wait a while.

**fhpdo** · 21st February 06, 08:02 PM

It might be a while for me as well if I decide to do it.
John

**wsk** · 12th October 08, 05:00 PM

I know, old thread is ooooooooold.

But, since it exists and it's possible that it will be read some time in the future, I'd like to add a few details simply for completeness.

Matt refers to Polaris as a ship. In fact, Polaris was a class of ships that carried the Polaris Fleet Ballistic Missile or its successor Poseidon C3 or Trident C4. The Ohio class boats aren't part of the Polaris group.

As I understand it, the Polaris Military Tartan was designed by Alexander MacIntyre of Strone in 1964 at the behest of Capt Walter Schlech who was Commodore SUBRON 14 August 1961 - November 1962. There has been some dispute about the proper colors of the over check. I've written more about that here.