Militaria Zone

Dealer Information

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

Original 1945 Dated Indian Made British Khaki Drill Trousers

SOLD

Code: 52254

Website: https://www.militariazone.com/trousers-shorts/original-1945-dated-indian-made-british-khaki-drill-trousers/itm28200

A rare original pair of 1945 dated Indian made British Khaki Drill Trousers in good condition. 

This pattern of trousers with the cross belt waist came into issue with British forces in 1944. It stayed in use well into the 1960s under different designations including '1950 pattern'. The waist belt was designed to be adjustable to account for the wear losing weight in hot climates. This style is now often referred to as 'Gurkha pants'. 

The trousers are made from the standard khaki coloured cotton drill used for British KD items during the Second World War. They are cut with a high rise waist and wide leg in keeping with the fashion of the period. The fly fastens with Indian pattern stamped metal buttons and the waist fastens with single prong buckles. One of these is held in place with the same pattern of button as used for the fly whilst the other is a period stamped brass replacement. 

Inside the trousers the date stamp can still be seen and is typical of those found on Indian made items from WW2. The 1945 date is still legible as is the War Department broad arrow marking. 

The trousers are a small size and when laid flat measure - 

Waist - 13"
Rise - 15 1/2"
Rear rise - 19"
Inside leg - 27 1/2"
Outside leg - 42"
Cuff  11"

The trousers are in excellent condition aside from the obvious mark to the rear. They don't appear to have been worn and are quite possibly deadstock. The stain to the rear may come up with specialist cleaning and has been reflected in the price. 

A good original pair of trousers in this hard to find wartime pattern and with a clear date.