RAF Corporal's War Service Dress Blouse and Trousers

First issued exclusively to aircrew in 1941 it was originally referred to as 'Suit, Blue Grey, Aircrews ' but it was subsequently issued to all and became universally known as "Battledress". This very fine example of the type is a matched suit made by Sindall Bros & Co Ltd and carries a broad arrow stamp with a label dated 1945, so it just caught the latter stages of WWII. It is in virtually unissued condition although seeing Corporal rank stripes and medal ribbon it has clearly been issued and used although sadly it is not named, so any associated history has now been lost. The Medal ribbon show the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal and War Medal (1939-45) were awarded to the original owner.

The Blouse is in fantastic condition with fine Corporal's stripes to each arm and oblong shoulder titles above. The fabric of blouse is exceptionally clean and more or less factory fresh and no other damage or marks ; the waist band is WD and Broad arrow stamped as well as the code letter 'Z' indicating 1945 issue. The matching trousers, which carry the same makers label so have not been mismatched like many of the suits we see. They are equally clean but have a few small moth nibbles but on display these hardly notice. The field dressing pocket to the front is of the later simplified button closure type. The suit is marked size 7 with the tunic indicating suitable for height 5' 7"-5'8", breast 35"-36" and waist 31". The matching trousers are marked for the same height and waist with the seat marked as 36"-37" and leg measurement 30.5".

Despite the minor moth damage to the trousers this example is well above the average for a 1945 dated BD suit and wartime examples are becoming increasingly hard to source now in any condition. This would make the ideal example for a mannequin display but would also be strong enough to wear for re enactment purposes, if you should just happen to be of modest proportions! As with all our stock more detailed photographs are available on request.