A fantastic and hard to find wartime example of the Civil Defence ARP 59 Battledress blouse which is clearly dated 1943.
This blouse is not to be confused with the much more common post war Civil Defence Battledress blouse which is a much lighter shade of navy blue.
This rare jacket still retains its orignal label which has the date 1943 on it as well as the size No.6. The blouse will fit a 36" chest and a 32" waist comfortably. Below the original label is the WD stamp which is surmounted with the letter N which denotes 1943 as the year of manufacture.
The blouse has clearly been issued and worn but is still in remarkably good condition for an item which is over 70 years old. On the left breast pocket is the remenants of the stitching which would have held the round CD breast pocket badge and on the arms can be seen where shoulder titles were previously sewn on.
This jacket would be ideal for a home front or civil defence collector who is looking for an authentic wartime blouse.
