Original WW2 British Army 'War Aid' Khaki Drill Shorts - Mantell

An original pair of American made 'War Aid' pattern Khaki Drill shorts 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. 

These shorts were made in the United States of America as part of the lend-lease scheme and are often referred to as 'War Aid'. Made from a high quality, khaki coloured cotton drill; the shorts are modelled on the British 1941 pattern. The feature the twin belt and buckle waist fastening and First Field Dressing Pocket to the right hip. The buttons and buckles used are typically American.

The shorts will fit someone of around a 31" depending on desired fit and when laid flat they measure -

Waist - 15 1/2"
Rise - 15 1/2"
Rear rise - 19"
Inside leg - 9"
Outside leg - 22"
Cuff - 13"

The shorts are in worn condition with signs of wear and use. There is staining as well as a small patch to the seat which would suggest that these were Martell's favourite shorts as they show more wear than the other two pairs. 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 original American made shorts which have known history.