Original 1943 Dated 1940 Pattern (Austerity) Battledress Trousers - 35x33

An original pair of 1940 Pattern (Austerity) Battledress trousers which were made in 1942 which are a rare larger size 35" waist. 

These trousers belonged to 'D. C. H. Mclean' who was an officer of the Royal Electrical And Mechanical Engineers who served during WW2. He joined the British Army in around 1942 and is still listed in the January 1945 army lists. 

This pattern of trousers came into issue with the British Army in 1942 replacing the earlier 1940 pattern. These are an austerity pattern which don't feature belt loops, covered buttons to the pockets or tabs to the bottom of the legs. They are made from the standard khaki green serge wool used for British uniforms during this period and the fly is fitted with brown coloured vegetable ivory (plastic) examples, often seen on early production austerity battledress. The buttons would suggest that the trousers were made in 1942 and the issue stamp was added in the early part of the following year.  

Inside the trousers the War Department acceptance stamp is still present and is bright and legible. It is surmounted by the letter 'N' which denotes 1943 as the year of issue. The original owner has also added his name to the interior.

The trousers will suit someone of around a 35" waist depending on desired fit. When laid flat they measure - 

Waist - 17 1/2"
Inside leg - 33"

The trousers are in good condition with some limited signs of wear and use. They display well with no notable flaws or damage and have a clean, fresh appearance. Overall they display very well but please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that they are a vintage, pre-worn item which may have other small issues commensurate with age. 

All in all a good pair of original wartime austerity pattern trousers in a wearable size. These are clearly attributed to a wartime officer which offers the prospect of further research.   

This is a vintage item which is 'sold as seen'