Original 1940s British Army Officer's Khaki Drill Shorts - Mantell

An original pair of Khaki Drill shorts which belonged to Captain John Campbell Mantell M.B.E. who served with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment during the Second World War and in Palestine.

J. C. Mantell was an officer with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and is listed in the October 1944 Gazette as and again in August 1945. In late 1944 or early 1945 he saved a number of men in his section whilst on a training exercise in Wales when a hand grenade landed in the trench he was standing in. He picked it up and got it clear of the trench and his men but wounded his hand in the process which meant he spent some months recovering. He went on to serve in Palestine where the regiment was involved in internal security operations during the Jewish Insurgency. 

These shorts are typical of those issued during the Second World War being made of a khaki coloured cotton drill and featuring a button fly and belt loops. As well as this they feature straight slash pockets to each hip which help date them as later pairs usually have angled pockets. They are theatre made featuring the usual tell-tale stitching and buttons, as was much of the uniforms issued in hot climates during WW2.

The shorts will fit someone of around a 31" depending on desired fit and when laid flat they measure -

Waist - 15 1/2"
Rise - 14"
Rear rise - 17 1/2"
Inside leg - 8"
Outside leg - 20"
Cuff - 14"

The shorts are in worn condition but still have plenty of life left in them. They feature signs of wear and use and there is a small tear to the bottom of the right pocket. Please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that they are a vintage, pre-owned item which may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A nice pair of attributed shorts with all the right details and in wearable condition. These would make a great addition to any collection.