Original 1942 Dated Indian Made 1941 Pattern Khaki Drill Shorts

An original pair of Indian made British Army Khaki Drill Shorts in good condition and clearly dated 1942.

Indian manufactured Khaki Drill items such as this saw widespread issue with British troops throughout the Second World War in the Middle East, Far East and Italy amongst other places. This style with the double buckle closure is often referred to as 1941 pattern by collectors. 

This particular pair of shorts are typical of wartime Indian made shorts featuring a First Field Dressing pocket to the rear and slash pockets to each side seam. The front of the shorts fastens with two buckles as was standard for British shorts during the Second World War.

The shorts feature a button fly as is standard with this pattern. All the original Indian pattern stamped zinc buttons are still present which sets the shorts aside from others offered on the market which are more often than not missing at least a couple of these. 

Inside the shorts are the usual Indian stamps found in Khaki Drill items. The circular date stamp is present to the rear of the pocket bag and states the manufacture date of August 1942. Another circular stamp can also be found to the interior which reads '8' and most likely pertains to size. A third makers stamp is present which bears the manufacturers initials of 'ARC' and the 1942 date, once again.

The shorts will suit someone of around a 28" waist and when laid flat measure -

Waist - 14"
Rise - 15"
Rear rise - 18"
Inside leg - 9 1/2"
Outside leg - 23"
Cuff - 13 1/2"

The shorts are in very good condition with only limited signs of wear and age. Please study the pictures as they form part of the description and bear in mind that these are a pre-worn pair of vintage shorts which may have small issues commensurate with age.

Altogether a very good pair of British issue shorts with a clear wartime date. These would make a good addition to any collection and would suit both a collector or re-enactor well.