Original WW2 RAF Khaki Drill Bush Jacket - Named

An original RAF 'Shirts, Bush R.A.F' as worn during the Second World War, named to 949150 Corporal Frederick Charles Endersby. 

Cpl Endersby joined the RAF between September 1939 and August 1940 which means he may have served during the Battle of Britain. It is unclear at this stage which squadron he was with but they must have been posted overseas, hence him being issued a KD bush jacket and the KD shirt which is also listed.

The bush jacket was a popular alternative to the more formal RAF Khaki Drill tunic and cellular cotton examples like this were common. This was due to their lightweight, breathable nature which made them the ideal tunic in warm climates. Cellular cotton is often referred to as 'Aertex'.

The jacket features a full button front, large collar and long sleeves. It is fitted with brass Kings crown RAF buttons to the front and pocket whilst semi opaque buttons fasten the cuffs and collar. Plain patch pockets are located to the chest which are typical of wartime austerity measures.KD type eagle badges are fitted to the top of each sleeve and tropical pattern corporal stripes are found further down the sleeves. 

Inside the tunic the original label is still present but is washed out leaving no details legible. The original owner has added his name in ink to the interior however as illustrated in picture 8.
 

The tunic is a small size which will fit around a 37" - 38" chest. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 21"
Inside arm - 19 1/4"
Outside arm - 23 1/2"
Shoulders - 16"
Length - 30"

The overall condition of the tunic is good with some signs of wear or age.  It is a vintage item so please take time to study the pictures before purchasing. 

A good example of this pattern of RAF KD tunic which is nicely named to a wartime airman.