Militaria Zone

Dealer Information

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

Original 1944 Dated RASC Sergeant's 1940 Pattern Battledress Blouse

SOLD

Code: 54357

Website: https://www.militariazone.com/ww2-jackets-coats/original-1944-dated-rasc-sergeant-s-1940-pattern-battledress-blouse/itm41782

An original January 1944 dated British Army 1940 Pattern (Austerity) Battledress Blouse in good condition 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 chocolate brown 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 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. Embroidered RASC shoulder titles are fitted to the top of each sleeve, below which are embroidered arm of service stripes which are the correct colour for RASC. Sergeants stripes are found below this and have been fitted with the same thread used for the AOS stripes.

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 'Mourne Clothing Co. Ltd' is also present, as is the War Department broad arrow. There is an issue stamp for January 1944 which makes this a good Normandy period battledress jacket. There is also a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter 'M' which confirms 1944 as the year of issue. 

The condition of the blouse is very good with some limited signs of wear and use. One of the collar hooks is missing as illustrated in picture 6 but aside from that it is a very clean example which displays well and is still very wearable. 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.