Original late WW2 British Army Khaki Drill Trousers

An original pair of British Khaki Drill Trousers with cross belt waist straps and in good condition. 

This pattern of trousers was introduced into service with the British military in 1944 and were manufactured until 1948 when they were superseded by the 1949 Pattern Khaki Drill Trousers, and then the 1950 Pattern Khaki Drill Trousers after that. These are the first pattern of KD trousers to feature the cross belt waist straps which are now often referred to as 'Gurkha pants'. This early pattern is easily identifiable by the double pleated first field dressing pocket which is located to the rear. Unlike later patterns of trousers they feature no map pocket or rear pockets. 

The trousers are made from the standard khaki coloured cotton drill material used during this period. Whilst a lot of KD items made during the 1940s were theatre made, these trousers are British made, making them more sought-after today. The fly fastens with green plastic buttons which have some signs of age and the metal waist buckles are held in place with the same type of button. The buckles are original chromium plated examples.

Inside the trousers the original label is still present but has been stitched into the rear seam obscuring a large part of it. This curious detail is often encountered with this period of KD trousers and shorts although I am not sure why! The size is marked as 11 and the War Department broad arrow marking can just be seen. 

Due to the cross belt waist design the trousers are adjustable and will therefore fit a number of sizes. When laid flat the trousers measure - 

Waist - 16"
Rise - 15 1/2"
Rear rise - 20 1/2"
Inside leg - 28"
Outside leg - 41"
Cuff - 10"

The overall condition of the trousers is good but they do have some signs of age and wear. There is wear to the pockets and a repair to the top of one of them. There is some minor staining but all in all they display well and look to be very wearable. Please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that these are a pair of pre-worn, vintage trousers. 

A hard to find pair of these early first pattern KD trousers!