Original 1944 Dated British Army Drill Battledress Blouse - Size 4

A rare original 1944 dated Drill Battledress Blouse in very good condition.

At first glance this jacket appears to be a standard wartime pattern Denim Battledress Blouse but is in fact the 'Drill' version - So called because it is made of cotton drill, rather than denim. These drill blouses were made throughout the Second World War alongside the Denim examples and look identical aside from the much greener colour of the material. 

The jacket is fitted with a full matched set of revolving shank buttons which are all held on with brass split rings. A wartime pattern chromium plated waist buckle fastens the waist and is held on with green plastic buttons, as was standard for late war manufacture.

Inside the original label is still present and is still bright and legible. It bears the title of 'Overalls Blouses', the size of 4 and the manufacturer's name of 'Drake & Joel Ltd'. The 1944 date is also present as is the War Department broad arrow marking. As well as this there is a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted by the letter 'M' which confirms 1944 as the year of issue.

The jacket is designed to fit someone of a 37" - 39" chest and when laid flat measures - 

Chest - 23"
Waist - 18"
Inside arm - 17"
Outside arm - 23"
Shoulders - 18"
Length - 22 1/2"

The jacket is in excellent condition with only very limited signs of wear and use. It is still the deep green colour it would have been when new and has not been washed or faded out. There are a couple of marks to the front which are illustrated in the pictures but aside from that it is very good. It is of course a vintage, pre-owned item so may have small issues commensurate with age. 

A fantastic example of a piece of British military workwear in stunning condition. This would make a great addition to any collection without a doubt!