Original 1945 Dated 53rd Division RASC Staff Sergeant's Battledress Blouse

An original March 1945 dated British Army 1940 Pattern (Austerity) Battledress Blouse in good condition, which is complete with its original insignia.

This pattern of jacket was introduced in 1942 as an austerity pattern, replacing the earlier 1940 pattern which had a fly front and flapped pockets. This utility pattern has exposed buttons to the front and pockets which are green coloured vegetable ivory (plastic) examples. It also features exposed buttons to the cuff and only the one interior pocket which are more notable details of the austerity pattern.  

This jacket belonged to a staff sergeant of the Royal Army Service Corps who served during WW2. There is no name or serial number to identify the original owner with but the badges are clearly original to the jacket and have been fitted by the same hand. The stitching used for the badges is the same black coloured stitching used to alter the BD. This is very clear when studying the inside of the jacket. The tailoring includes the arm holes, darts added under the collar and shoulder pads have also been added. These are all typical modifications for the period and are in keeping with the rank held by the owner. The date of this jacket would suggest that he was issued it around the time of the end of the war, but before medal ribbons were more widespread by August onwards. It is clearly a 'best' jacket which was tailored to be smart, having had the insignia fitted at the same time.

The jacket is fitted with embroidered RASC shoulder titles to the top of each sleeve, below which are embroidered 53rd Welsh Division formation flashes. Arm of service stripes have not been fitted whilst sergeants stripes are present, both featuring a brass crown above them.

Inside the blouse the original issue label is still present and is bright and legible. It states the size as No.12 which is designed to fit up to a height of 5' 10" and a chest of 40" - 41". The maker's name of 'W. & A. Hunter Ltd' is also present, as is the War Department broad arrow. The 1944 manufacture date is also present. There is an issue stamp for March 1945 and there is also a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter 'Z' which confirms 1945 as the year of issue. 

The condition of the blouse is very good with some limited signs of wear and use. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A nice original battledress jacket with a clear date and original badges.

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'