Figured there were a few naval experts hanging around here, I've got a bit of a question that I haven't been able to find an answer for.
When I was a kid my grandfather often told me stories about his service the Royal Australian Navy in WWII, being a little kid at the time I can't quite remember the details.
One involved being told he'd have to stain his uniform brown, with coffee I think, so that he could pass as French, he was very annoyed about this as it ruined the uniform and he had to pay for a replacement.
I've never found anything about staining uniforms before and I wonder what it could be for?
I know his ship the HMAS Australia was involved in the Battle of Dakar, 1940 and that de Gaulle was present if this helps. Why would it be necessary to pass as French? Some military action or just for de Gaulle?
I can't see any reason for him to make things up since, I'm the only person he ever spoke to about the war.
Thanks for any help.