Original 1940 Dated First Pattern British Denim Battledress Blouse

A nice original example of an early Second World War Denim Battledress Blouse clearly dated 1940.

Introduced at the beginning of the Second World War as a replacement for the earlier fatigues issued in the Great War and inter-war periods, it closely followed the design of the wool Battledress introduced in 1938 but is made from denim and has removable buttons and waist buckle. These first pattern jackets feature pleated breast pockets which were deleted on the later model introduced by 1942.

This example features the correct early wire waist buckle which is held on with stamped brass buttons as are often found on early manufactured items. As well as this the jacket is fitted with a set of the correct early war flat type revolving shank buttons which are all held in place with brass split rings.

Inside the jacket the original label is still present but is washed out from use. There is however a War Department acceptance stam owhich is surmounted by the letter 'Q' which denotes 1940 as the year of issue. As well as this the size is marked to the inside pocket as '10' which is one of the largest sizes produced.


The jacket is in good condition with some signs of wear or use. It displays well and is still very wearable but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing. 

All in all a great example of this early war pattern of blouse with all the right features and fittings and a nice clear date stamp.