Blighty Militaria

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Email: blightymilitaria@gmail.com
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Scarce Original WW2 RCAF Type D Battledress Jacket - Sgt Navigator

SOLD

Code: 54608



A very rare original Royal Canadian Air Force Type D Battledress Jacket in good condition and complete with original insignia. 

This pattern of battledress blouse was produced during the mid-war period in Canadian and was issued to aircrews. Only a limited number were produced making them very rare and sought after today but they do feature in numerous wartime photographs - particularly with Bomber Command in England. 

The jacket is made from the standard wool serge material which is the deeper blue coloured used by the RCAF. It features the same pleated breast pockets with pointed pocket flaps as the standard battledress but this is where the similarities end. The D type jacket is cut slightly longer in the body and features a narrow waistband with less pleats which gives it a more American look. The front of the jacket fastens with a brass 'Lightning' branded zipper and features a typically 1940s spearpoint shape to the collar. There is a small tab which fastens over the base of the zip with a black plastic button which is maker marked to the reverse. The cuffs and breast also fasten with buttons of the same pattern and there are stitched vent holes to each armpit. 

The jacket comes fitted with a set of original wartime insignia which looks to be original to the jacket. This includes a navigator's half wing above the left breast pocket and semi embroidered eagle badges to the top of each sleeve. Below these are original sergeant stripes which are surmounted by brass crowns which denote the original owner as a Flight Sergeant. 

Inside the blouse the original label is still present but is most illegible due to wear and laundering. It is however the correct style of label used during the Second World War on RCAF jackets with the double inset border and correct font. There is also a Canadian War Department broad arrow marking surrounded by a 'C' which is usually found on items from this period. 

The jacket is a small size which will suit a 36" chest. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 21"
Waist - 15 1/2"
Inside arm - 16 1/2"
Outside arm - 22 3/4"
Shoulders - 16"
Length - 22 1/2"

The jacket is in good condition with no serious flaws or damage. There are signs of wear and use and some discolouration and staining which is commensurate with service wear. Overall it displays very well and can still be worn but 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 very rare piece of wartime battledress which is missing from many collections today.