Royal Navy Officers Working Dress Blouse

Another genuine WWII issue 1944 dated RN Officers Working Dress (BD) blouse in totally original condition which we are listing today. This one does not carry rank shoulder boards and is unnamed but judging by its excellent overall condition it may actually be unissued. In the opening years of the Second World War the Royal Navy refused to adopt battledress for officers aboard ship but despite this dyed army battledress was modified and worn on duty. Finally their Lordships at the Admiralty authorised officers to wear 'Working Dress' ; they could not bring themselves to call it 'Battledress' as was adopted by both the Army and the RAF. The Working Dress, also designated '5A' was immediately popular and officers could either obtain it from the stores or have a set made up by their tailor.

This scarce example was an issue item and carries a good clear Admiralty label indicating 'Admiralty Blue Serge Working Dress Blouse Officer's. This one is in a very scarce Size15 to fit an Officer of height 5' 11"- 6' 0", Breast 42"-43" and waist size 37"-38". It was manufactured by H. Lotery & Co Ltd and dated 1944. In addition the waist band is also stamped with an Admiralty anchor. Thee blouse features quality Royal Naval pattern brass buttons with kings crown and anchor motif made by Gieves of London. The inside of the unlined blouse still retain original paper labels confirming the size. Two breast pocket are fitted with button closure whilst the waist has a short strap fastening and triple brass buttons for correct fitting button. Despite its 74 years this BD remains in remarkable condition with just one minor moth nibble to the rear of the collar. Whilst for sale, like all our stock, as a collectable this one would certainly be strong enough to wear and with the added advantage of being an almost impossible to find large size wartime dated blouse.