Original 1942 British Khaki Drill Shorts - RAF History

An original pair of British made Khaki Drill Shorts dating from 1942. 

These trousers belonged to Corporal Sydney Cooper 991457 who served with the RAF throughout WW2. He joined up before February 1940 so would have been serving during the Battle of Britain. He was posted to No.111 Operational Training Unit, Nassau in the Bahamas where he spent a long period. 

This pattern of shorts is a very rare pattern to find today and were produced in 1942. They are made from the standard khaki coloured cotton drill material and feature a button fly which fastens with stamped brass buttons which are typically found on early war manufactured items. They feature a flat front and straight slash pockets at the hips as well as a single pleated First Field Dressing pocket to the rear. Waist adjusters are located to the hips and can be adjusted with metal slide buckles. 

Inside the shorts the markings are no longer visible. They are however identical to the two other pairs of shorts from the same grouping, both of which were dated 1942 meaning that this pair also date from that year.

The shorts will suit a 27" waist and when laid flat they measure - 

Waist - 13 1/2"
Rise - 12 1/2"
Rear rise - 15 1/2"
Inside leg - 8"
Outside leg - 19"
Cuff - 10 1/2"

The shorts are in good condition with some signs of wear and laundering. They are still totally wearable but do have some light marks etc. Some of the original brass buttons are missing and others are original period replacements which were added by the original owner. Please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that they are a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A rare pattern of original wartime shorts with RAF history.