Original 1946 Pattern British Army Battledress Trousers - Size 10

An original pair of British Army 1946 Pattern Battledress trousers in a size 10.

These trousers came into issue in 1946 replacing the 1940 (austerity) pattern trousers, although the pattern was hardly changed. The only real difference is that inside the waistband there are twice as many brace buttons as in the 1940 pattern!

The trousers look the same as wartime austerity pattern trousers from the outside featuring a large map pocket to the left thigh, First Field Dressing pocket and rear pocket - all with exposed buttons. There are also two buttons to the rear which attach the blouse to the trousers. All the buttons are the green coloured vegetable ivory (plastic) plastic type used during the Second World War.

Inside the trousers the original label is still present and states the size as No.10. The manufacturer's initials are also present and read 'C.W.S.' which stands for the Co-Operative Workers Society - better known today as the Co-op. The War Department broad arrow is also present as is the date although this is no longer legible. To the right of the label the original owner has marked his name and his unit which is the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

As well as this the War Department acceptance stamp is also present and surmounted by the letter 'R' which denotes 1948 as the year of issue. 

When laid flat the trousers measure -

Waist - 15"
Inside leg - 31 1/2"

The trousers are in reasonable condition as can be seen from the photographs and display well. There are various signs of wear and use and some staining etc but the trousers are still totally wearable. There is a small area of damage to the seat as shown in the pictures as well as some wear to the cuffs. Please study the pictures before purchasing. 

These trousers are ideal to fill a gap in a ww2 collection or for a re-enactor as they are identical to wartime pattern trousers from the outside.