Dealer Information Dealer: Blighty Militaria Location: London, United Kingdom Tel: 07729 917 773 Email: blightymilitaria@gmail.com

Original WW2 British Army Jungle Green Aertex Battledress Blouse

Code: 51852

Website: https://www.militariazone.com/jackets-coats/original-ww2-british-army-jungle-green-aertex-battledress-blouse/itm25714

An original Jungle Green aertex blouse as used in the Far East by the British Army and RAF during the Second World War.

This pattern of jacket was introduced in 1943 alongside the JG Battledress trousers. It is made from cellular cotton, often referred to as 'Aertex', which is a lightweight, breathable fabric which is ideally suited to hot climates. Based loosely on the woolen battledress the tunic is cut in a short 'blouson' style and features a full button front and waist belt. As well as this it features pleated chest pockets and an inner pocket. As this blouse was designed to be worn against the skin the button which fastens to the inner pocket is reversed and fastens through the inside of the breast pocket, meaning that the button can't rub on the wearers skin. 

This jacket was found in France and was clearly worn post-war. The original coconut husk buttons (which are notorious for falling off!) have been replaced with wooden examples. The waist buckle is a solid brass example which may also be French, although it is not dissimilar to those seen on India made items of the period. 

Jungle Green items such as this were originally vat dyed to the regulation colour of green. This process meant they faded to a variety of colours with washing and wear. This example is an interesting colour with an almost disruptive camouflage pattern to it. Whether this has been caused by fading, exposure to sunlight or is due to being re-dyed is unclear.

The jacket is a larger size which will fit around a 44-46" chest depending on desired fit and when laid flat measures - 

Chest - 27"
Waist - 20 1/2"
Inside arm - 19"
Outside arm - 24"
Shoulders - 21"
Length - 23 1/2"

The jacket is in good condition with only limited signs of wear and use. It displays well but may have small issues commensurate with age.

All in all a nice example of this pattern of jacket with some interesting modifications.