Original 1945 Dated British Army Officer's Battledress - Major Lowe

An original 1945 dated South African made battledress jacket with R.A.O.C 4th Division insignia. 

This jacket belonged to Major D. J. Lowe who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps during the Second World War. He saw service with the 8th Army in North Africa before going to Italy with the 4th Division during 1944. It has been in a trunk since the war and is a guaranteed wartime item.

The jacket is a rare South African made example. Commonwealth manufactured battledress was often worn by members of the British Army during 1944 and 1945 and was often coveted by soldiers at the time as it was often deemed to be of a higher quality than British Manufactured clothing. The serge wool has a different green hue to that of British made items and the buttons are the plastic type usually found on South African battledress. The waist belt buckle is also distinctive being a solid brass cast style - again as usually found on this pattern. The pattern is based on the British 1940 pattern and features covered buttons to the front, pockets and cuffs. A single hook and eye is located to the collar and used to fasten the neck. 

The jacket is fitted with a full set of original insignia which includes printed Royal Army Ordnance Corps shoulder titles, printed 4th Division flashes and major crowns are stitched to the epaulettes. Medal ribbons are located to the chest and include the Africa Star and the Italy Star. 

Inside the jacket the original label is still present and is bright and legible. It states the size as 7 which will fit a 35" - 37" chest and a 30" - 31" waist. The manufacturer's name of 'The Standard Clothing Manufacturers' is present as is the1945 date and the War Department broad arrow marking.   

The jacket is in good condition with some signs of service wear and age. There are a few small moth nips but overall it displays very well. 

A very nice originally badged battledress jacket with a clear date and excellent original insignia.