Original American Made British Army Officers Shirt - 11th Sikh
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About this item
An original American made British Army Officers shirt which belonged to Lieutenant Colonel Ashe who served with the 11th Sikh Regiment (Ludhiana Sikhs) in Italy during the Second World War.
Robert Arthur Descourt Ashe was born in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, India on the 15th of September 1901. He joined the army during the inter-war period and was already a Major by the time war broke out. He served with the 11th Sikh Regiment in Italy and stayed with them on their return to India at the end of the war. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1947 and died in 1986.
American made lend-lease 'War Aid' items were prolific in Italy meaning this shirt was almost certainly worn by Ashe during the campaign. It is made from the standard 'mustard' coloured wool and features American buttons and fixed epaulettes. The collar is designed to be worn open so would have been worn as more of a casual shirt with Battledress rather than with Service Dress.
Interestingly both sleeves feature a set of 4 press studs to which insignia would have been fitted. Having removable badge was popular in the Italian campaign as it aided with laundering.
The shirt is a large size which should easily fit a 42" chest and most likely larger. When laid flat it measures -
Chest - 25"
Inside arm - 19 1/2"
Outside arm - 23 1/4"
Length at front - 31"
Length at back - 32"
Shoulders - 19"
The shirt is in good condition and displays well. It does a few moth nips including to the sleeve although these are only noticeable on close inspection. Please study the pictures before purchasing.
A nice original shirt with wartime provenance.
Additional Information
London, United Kingdom