Original 1945 Dated British Army Ordinary Ranks Collared Shirt Size 6

A fantastic original British Army Ordinary Ranks collared shirt made in 1945 and in a large size 6.

Dress regulations changed in late 1944 for Ordinary Ranks serving in the British Army. Whilst previously they had been issued with collarless shirts to be worn underneath battledress blouses fastened to the top; the new regulations allowed for a collar and tie to be worn with the blouse collar open. Collared shirts went into production at this point whilst some soldiers had detachable collars stitched onto the collarless shirts they already owned.

This example was made with with an attached collar and is made from the khaki green coloured flannel shirting usually found on issue shirts. It features long sleeves with a barrel cuff and a typically 1940s spearpoint collar. All the original brown coloured plastic buttons are still present and typical of those used during this period.

Inside the shirt the original label is still present and states the size as 6. The makers initials are marked as 'B.V.F.C' and the 1945 date and the War Department broad arrow are also present. 

These half placket shirts are generously cut across the chest and shoulders to allow them to be pulled on over the wearers head. When laid flat it measures -

Chest - 22 1/4"
Inside arm - 20"
Outside arm - 22 1/2"
Length at front - 31 1/2"
Length at back  - 34 1/2"
Shoulders - 17 3/4"
Collar - 16 1/2"

The shirt is in stunning condition overall with only very limited signs of wear and use. It displays very well and is still very fresh and bright but is a pre-owned item so may have small issues commensurate with age. There are some light marks, possibly from storage, which can be seen in the pictures. These don't overlly detract when the item is in hand and may come out with careful cleaning.

A very good example of a late war OR shirt which would be very hard to better!