Code: 54361
An original War Aid made British Army battledress blouse which belonged to a Captain of the Royal Army Service Corps.
This jacket was made in the United States as part of the Lend Lease scheme. It is based on the standard British battledress blouse introduced prior to the Second World War but has a few key differences. The most notable of these is the exposed buttons on the breast pockets and the fly front fastening which gives War Aid jackets their distinctive look. All the buttons are the same as used on American military clothing of the 1940s and the internal seams are bound with rayon - a practice often seen on wartime manufactured US EM tunics.
War Aid battledress saw widespread issue in Italy during WW2 which may have been where this jacket was used. The insignia fitted is more in-keeping with the layout seen in 1941-42 but is also totally acceptable for later in the war. RAMC shoulder titles are fitted to the top of each sleeve below which are RAMC arm of service stripes which are made from a twill fabric. The epaulettes are fitted with three rank stars each with one on each side being notably brighter. The other four are undoubtedly those worn when the original owner was a Lieutenant and retained after promotion - A nice detail.
Inside the jacket the original label is still present and bears the date of January 1943 along with the size of 13. This size is designed to fit a 38" - 39" chest and a 33" - 34" waist.
The jacket is in good condition with the usual signs of service wear and use. Overall it displays well but please take time to study the pictures as this is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small flaws commensurate with age.
A nice original badge BD in good condition.
