Original 1945 Dated RAF War Service Dress Blouse - Navigator

An original RAF War Service Dress battledress blouse jacket dated 1945 which belonged to a navigator who flew during WW2. 

This pattern of jacket came into service in late 1940 listed as 'Suits, Aircrew' before being re-designated 'War Service Dress' in 1943, remaining virtually unchanged. The blouse features the wire style waist buckle sometimes associated with early manufacture 'Suits, Aircrew' blouses, RAF style scalloped pocket flaps, black plastic buttons all round and a pair of hook and eyes to fasten the neck.

The blouse is fitted with a navigator's brevet above the left breast pocket as well as medal ribbons including the Air Crew Europe medal and the Africa Star which means he would have flown in the Western Desert as well as over North West Europe. The Air Crew Europe medal is fitted with a rosette meaning he was mentioned in dispatches. The epaulettes are fitted with rank braid which denotes the rank of FLight Lieutenant as well as brass Volunteer Reserve badges which suggest that the original owner trained pre-war or in the early war period. This ties in well with Africa Star.

Inside the jacket the original label is intact and is bright and legible. It bears the title of 'War Service Dress Blouse' below which is the size of 9 which is designed to fit up to a 40" chest and a 35" waist. The maker's name of 'J Harvey Ltd' is also present, as is the 1945 date and the War Department broad arrow marking.

When laid flat the jacket measures - 

Chest - 23"
Waist - 17 1/2"
Inside arm - 18"
Outside arm - 24 1/2"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"
Length - 211/2"

The condition of the blouse is very good. It is still a nice deep blue colour and not a heavily worn faded out grey like many offered on the market. The blue indigo lining shows a few areas of soiling from wear, mainly around the collar. Overall it is a very fresh example but please do study the pictures before purchasing.

A very nice original RAF WSD blouse in good condition with nice original badges.