Code: 54828
An original early WW2 RAF Ordinary Airman's Tunic which was made in 1940.
This tunic belonged to Corporal Sydney Cooper 991457 who served with the RAF throughout WW2. He joined up before February 1940 so would have been serving during the Battle of Britain. He was posted to No.111 Operational Training Unit, Nassau in the Bahamas where he spent a long period.
This tunic is an early war example which is denoted by the 1940 contract at the bottom of the label. This would suggest that it is the tunic that Corporal Cooper was issued with when he joined the RAF at the beginning of the war. Aside from that it is a standard issue example made from the usual RAF blue-grey coloured wool serge and featuring brass King's crown buttons to the front. Early war pattern embroidered eagle badges are fitted to the top of each sleeve and RAF pattern corporal stripes are located further down the sleeve.
Inside the tunic the original label is still present and is bright and legible. It bears the title of 'Air Ministry Jackets, Blue Grey, O.A.' below which is the size of 5. Below this are details pertaining to size and at the bottom of the label is the 1940 contract number. As well as this there is a War Department acceptance stamp which bears no letter code as is sometimes encountered with clothing from this period.
The condition of the jacket is good overall with signs of wear and use. It was almost certainly worn throughout the entirety of the war and this is reflected in the condition. Overall it displays well and is still totally wearable but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing.
Altogether a nice early war example with some interesting history.
