Original 1943 Dated War Aid Royal Engineers Battledress Blouse

Code: 54364

An original War Aid made British Army battledress blouse which belonged to a sapper of the Royal Engineers.

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 consists of wartime economy printed 'Royal Engineers' shoulder titles which appear to be original to the jacket. The original owner has also marked his name to the interior in ink which reads 'Cox. J'.

Inside the jacket the original label is still present and bears the date of January 1943 along with the size of 3. This size is designed to fit a 36" - 37" chest and a 31" - 32" 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.