WW2 British Battledress Blouse Dated 1943 - 2nd K.R.R.C / 4th Armoured Brigade

A very good 1943 dated Battledress Blouse with originally applied insignia to a Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion King’s Royal Rifle Corps within the independent 4th Armoured Brigade.

The Blouse is a US War Aid Pattern supplied to the British under the “Lend-Lease” programme. The British most typically issued these during the Italian campaign however these then found their way to the North West Europe theatre when units transferred there from Italy as is the case here, the 2nd KRRC transferring from Italy to Normandy in 1944.

All the insignia is Sewing Machine applied. Firstly to each shoulder is a printed KRRC shoulder title. Below that is an embroidered formation sign for the 4th Armoured Brigade, with below that a rifle green Arm of Service strip for the KRRC.

Below all this is then a set of the distinctive black on red KRRC pattern three chevrons for a Sergeant. In WW2 the KRRC proudly wore these special pattern chevrons even in combat.

As is also traditional for the unit all the exposed buttons on the Blouse have been replaced with Black rifle pattern ones.

On the left breast is then a single campaign medal for the Africa Star with a metal “8” numeral denoting 8th Army service. The Africa Star was instituted in July 1943, with the medal ribbon issued for wear later that year.

Inside is a clear manufacturers label showing a good size 12 and a January 1943 date. To the upper lining at the collar front a piece of khaki cloth has been applied to enable the Blouse to be worn with the top button undone when necessary. Typically seen on senior NCOs from 1944 onwards this modification enabled them to operate in warm climates with a modicum of comfort yet still retain a smart appearance. 

The 2nd Bn KRRC were a motorised infantry unit, as such they operated in many different theatres in WW2, being attached to different formations at different times. In 1940 they were part of the B.E.F in France, in 1941 to 1943 they fought in North Africa, from 1943 to 1944 they were on the Italian front, and from 1944 to 1945 they fought from Normandy, through Holland, and into Germany.

Obtained from a hospice in the 1990s with the photo shown in the pocket, sadly nothing is known about this man other than he was blinded in the war. 

The Blouse is in good service used condition overall. The collar at the rear is a little greasy and sweat stained where the Blouse has been worn with a collarless shirt, as is to a small degree the top button hole from the times when this has been worn undone.

There is moth nibbling to the edge of the formation signs as well as two or three tiny moth nips to the lower front near one of the buttons, this not affecting display.

An lovely WW2 Blouse.

PAYMENT OPTIONS I am not able to accept payment for this item by PayPal through the website. If you wish to use PayPal, please contact me in advance. All othe pyment option including cards are available through the website.