Original 1945 Dated RAF War Service Dress Blouse - Size 9

A good original 1945 dated RAF Was Service Dress Blouse in a size 9. 

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, 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 pilot officer rank to the epaulettes along with a spurious Engineers brevet and DFC medal ribbon. These have been added to give the desired effect of an aircrew blouse and could be changed with ease.

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 'John Hammond & Co Ltd' is also present, as is the 1945 date and the War Department broad arrow marking. As well as this there is a War Department acceptance stamp which is surmounted with the letter 'Z' which denotes 1945 as the year of issue. 

The condition of the blouse is excellent. It is still a nice deep blue colour and does not appear to have seen any real wear or use. The only small flaw is a small hole to the side as illustrated in picture 5. One of the black plastic front buttons is also broken but this could easily be replaced. Overall it is a very fresh example but please do study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a vintage item which may have small flaws commensurate with age.

A very nice example of a War Service Dress blouse with a good clear date.