Original WW2 British Army Officer's Khaki Drill Trousers - Mantell

An original pair of British Army officer's Khaki Drill Trousers which belonged to Captain John Campbell Mantell M.B.E. who served with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment during the Second World War and in Palestine.

J. C. Mantell was an officer with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and is listed in the October 1944 Gazette as and again in August 1945. In late 1944 or early 1945 he saved a number of men in his section whilst on a training exercise in Wales when a hand grenade landed in the trench he was standing in. He picked it up and got it clear of the trench and his men but wounded his hand in the process which meant he spent some months recovering. He went on to serve in Palestine where the regiment was involved in internal security operations during the Jewish Insurgency. 

Like a lot of KD items, these trousers are theatre made as is evident by the type of buttons and inconsistent stitching.  They are cut in a typical 1940s fashion with a high rise waist and wide leg. The front features twin pleats and straight slash pockets at the hips which are yet more typical details from this era. The fly fastens with buttons and belt loops are positioned around the waist. The cuffs have turn-ups and there is a single rear pocket. 

The trousers will fit someone of around a 28" depending on desired fit and when laid flat they measure -

Waist - 14 1/4"
Rise - 14 1/2"
Rear rise - 18"
Inside leg - 29"
Outside leg - 42"
Cuff - 9 1/2"

The trousers are in good condition for their age with various signs of wear and use. There is some staining and marks as well as a small rip to the bottom of the left pocket opening. Please study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that they are a vintage, pre-owned item which may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A nice pair of attributed trousers with all the right details. These would make a great addition to any collection.