Original 1930s RAF Officer's Khaki Drill Tunic - Attributed

An original 1930s RAF officer's service dress tunic which was worn by Squadron Leader Philip Myles Mcswiny whilst flying with 202 (Flying Boat) Squadron in Malta. 

Philip Myles Mcswiny joined the Indian Army reserve as a 2nd Lieutenant in March 1915 before going on to serve on the North West Frontier in April and Egypt in September. He served with the 97th Deccan Infantry (15th Indian Division) and the 9th Bhopal Infantry on the Tigris Front in Mesopotamia. He transferred into the Royal Flying Corps in June 1917. He stayed in the RAF during the inter-war period and went to Malta to fly with 202 Squadron. He went on to serve during the Second World War. 

The tunic was most likely made around the time Mcswiny went to Malta and was possibly made whilst he was stationed there. It is made from the standard khaki coloured cotton drill material used throughout this period and is cut in a typically 1920s manner with a narrow shoulder displacement. The tunic features a full set of brass RAF king's crown buttons and the original waist belt is still present and fastens with a brass buckle. Original squadron leaders' shoulder boards are fitted and feature tropical rank braid which is a nice detail. There are loops to the chest above the left breast pocket to which a pilots wing and medal ribbons would have been attached to originally. 

Inside the tunic there is a label fitted to the neck which also doubles as a hanging loop. This style of label along with the graphics are typical of the 1920s and early 1940s. Sadly the label has broken and the details of the maker are now hard to read. 

The tunic is a medium size which will suit around a 40" chest. When laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 22 1/2"
Waist - 20"
Inside arm - 19"
Outside arm - 24"
Shoulders - 17 1/2"
Length at rear - 29"

The tunic is in good condition with some signs of wear and age. Overall it displays very well but please take time to study the pictures before purchasing and bear in mind that it is a pre-worn vintage jacket which may have small flaws commensurate with age. 

A very nice original attributed tunic with some nice history.