Code: 55665
An original Royal Air Force Officers Service Dress Tunic which was made by 'W M Anderson' in 1942 for an officer who served in the RAF medical Branch. Anderson is noted as being a Flight Lieutenant in 1940 and was clearly promoted later in the war. It appears that he worked in Orthopaedic surgery.
This pattern of tunic was introduced during the 1930s and worn throughout the Second World War. It is the standard cut used throughout the Second World War by RAF Officers with pleated breast pockets with scalloped pockets and bellows pockets to the skirt. It features a full set of brass Kings crown RAF buttons and retains its original waist belt and brass buckle. Rank braid is fitted to the cuffs which denotes the rank of Squadron Leader and brass medical branch collar badges are fitted to the lapels.
Inside the tunic features a full lining and a single interior pocket along with a First Field Dressing pocket. The original maker's label is present to the neck and bears the maker's name of 'W. M. Anderson & Sons Ltd' along with the Royal Appointment to the late King George V. Below this is the original owner's name of 'J. B. Shield' along with the date of July 1942.
The tunic is a smaller size which will suit around a 36" chest depending on desired fit and when laid flat the tunic measures -
Chest - 19 1/2"
Waist - 17"
Inside arm - 18 1/4"
Outside arm - 24 3/4"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"
Length - 29 1/2"
The tunic is in good condition with some signs of wear and use and overall displays well. There are some marks to the rear of the right cuff and a couple of small holes to the rear of the shoulder (picture 9) which appear to have been repaired many years ago and are very neatly done making them hard to see unless under close scrutiny. There are also two very small holes to the centre of the back above the waist belt but these are again only noticeable under close scrutiny. Please take time to study the pictures and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small flaws commensurate with age.
A nice original Second World War RAF tunic with a clear wartime date which may offer the prospect of further research.
