Code: 55472
An original pair of British 1941 Pattern Khaki Drill Shorts which were worn by a British Army officer during the Second World War.
These shorts came as part of a grouping of items which belonged to 320940 Ronald Herbert Gibbins who was an officer in the Gloucestershire regiment during the Second World War. He served with the 10th Battalion and fought in Burma.
Unlike a lot of KD items offered onto the market today, these shorts are clearly British made and much rarer than theatre made examples. They are the standard 1941 pattern with the first field dressing pocket placed on the right hip and the double belt and buckle fastening to the waist. The buttons are vegetable ivory (plastic) examples which would suggest that they were manufactured in 1943.
This pattern of shorts saw widespread issue throughout the Second World War with the British Army, RAF and Royal Navy amongst others. They are made from a light tan coloured cotton drill which is well suited to the tropics, being issued to troops in North Africa, the Far East, Italy and the Mediterranean throughout the conflict.
The shorts will suit someone of around a 31" waist and when laid flat they measure -
Waist - 15 1/2"
Rise - 16"
Rear rise - 18"
Inside leg - 9"
Outside leg - 22"
The shorts are in well worn condition as can be seen in the pictures. They are still in wearable but the condition and display quite well. Please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-worn item which has flaws commensurate with age.
An original pair of wartime shorts with history.
