Code: 55800
An original RAF Officers Service Dress suit in good condition which belonged to a pilot who won the DFC and served during the Battle of the Atlantic.
This uniform is the pattern used by all RAF Officers throughout the Second World War and was superseded shortly after the conflict by a three button version. Like all wartime examples, the jacket features a full set of brass kings crown buttons and matching brass belt buckle. Three rings of rank braid are fitted to each cuff denoting the rank of Squadron Leader. The jacket features a standard wartime flat pattern pilot's wing below which are medal ribbons including the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and the Atlantic Star with rosette which denotes the wearer was also entitled to the Air Crew Europe Star or the France and Germany Star. Sadly there is no name inside the uniform although the original owner clearly had an illustrious wartime career.
The suit is an issued example as was usually used by warrant officer's and sometimes officers, as is the case here. They were usually used by officers from poorer backgrounds who did not want to buy their own uniform. This could suggest that the original owner was promoted through the ranks as the war went on. There is evidence of where the issue label was previously fitted inside the jacket (picture 8) and there trousers bear the War Department acceptance stamp (picture 13). This is surmounted by the letter 'E' which denotes 1947 as the year of issue.
The trousers are again typical of the era being cut with a high rise to the waist and wide leg. The front of the trousers feature twin pleats and slash pockets can be found in each side seam. The fly features contrasting butterscotch coloured buttons which are typical of those found on RAF officer's service dress during this period.
The jacket will suit around a 36" chest and when laid flat it measures -
Jacket
Chest - 20"
Waist - 17"
Inside arm - 17"
Outside arm - 24 1/4"
Shoulders - 16 3/4"
Length - 29"
Trousers
Waist - 15"
Inside leg - 29"
The condition of the suit is good and it displays very well. It has clearly been worn but overall the condition is very good with no serious flaws or signs of undue wear. There is a small hole to the right sleeve (picture 6) and some signs of use around the collar as illustrated in the pictures. Please study the pictures and bear in mind that this is a vintage suit which may have small issues commensurate with wear.
All in all a nice original RAF Officers SD which would suit both the collector and re-enactor equally well.
