An RAF officer wearing his greatcoat

A greatcoat, also known as a watchcoat, is a large overcoat typically made of wool designed for warmth and protection against the elements. Air Commodore Ian Malcolm Bonham-Carter CB, OBE, RAF (1882&ndash 31 December 1953) was a senior officer in the Its collar and cuffs could be turned out to protect the face and hands from cold and rain, and the short cape around the shoulders provides extra warmth and repels rainwater (if made of a waterproof material). Waterproof or water-resistant describes objects unaffected by water or resisting water passage or which are covered with a material that resists or does not allow water passage It was popular in the 15th Century as a military uniform and casual wear for the wealthy, issued for inclement weather by most Armed Forces right up until the last quarter of the 20th Century. Military uniforms comprises standardised Dress worn by members of the Armed forces of various nations For the military meaning see Armed forces. For the Soviet sports society see Armed Forces (sports society Armed Forces Today they can still be seen as Dress Uniform in winter, an example being the Guards Division of the British Army who wear a design of greatcoat dating back to the Crimean War. See Military uniform and Full dress for wider coverage of dress uniforms The Guards Division is an administrative unit of the British Army responsible for the administration of the regiments of Foot Guards. The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. The Crimean War, also known in Russia as the Eastern War (Восточная война Vostochnaya Vojna) (March 1854–February 1856 was fought During the 17th and 18th century and the Industrial Revolution, greatcoats became available for all social classes. The Industrial Revolution was a period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries when major changes in agriculture manufacturing and transportation had a profound effect on the

The coat generally hangs down below the knees and the cape is kept short, normally just above or below the elbows. It also sported deep pockets for keeping letters and food dry.

References

http://www.ctraders.com/greatcoat.html