Original WW2 RAF Khaki Drill Aertex Bush Jacket - LAC

An original RAF 'Shirt, Bush, Cellular R.A.F N.P' as worn during the Second World War.

The bush jacket was a popular alternative to the more formal RAF Khaki Drill tunic with cellular cotton examples such as this in particular. This was due to their lightweight, breathable nature which made them the ideal tunic in warm climates. Cellular cotton is often referred to as 'Aertex' which was a popular brand in the mid century period.

The jacket features an fantastic set of theatre made insignia including eagle badges to the top of each sleeve and leading aircraft man badges lower down. All are clearly original to the tunic. The jacket has not been fitted with RAF buttons but has had civilian style buttons stitched on. This was no doubt done by the original owner as it appears to be a period addition. 

The inside of the jacket features the original owner's name, 'Chambers' as well as his service number stamped in ink. The original label is also present and still legible. It bears the War Department WD marking as well as the 1945 date.

The interior of the jacket also features a buttoning First Field Dressing pocket whilst the front of the jacket features black plastic economy buttons and the epaulettes have the stand brass pattern.

There is no label inside the tunic although it is clearly the late war pattern of tunic used by the RAF. More examples can be found on my website. The tunic is small size which will suit around a 34-35" chest depending on desired fit and when laid flat it measures - 

Chest - 19 1/2"
Inside arm - 17"
Outside arm - 23 1/2"
Shoulders - 17"
Length - 27"

The overall condition of the tunic is good and it displays well. It has clearly been worn and laundered and is far from mint condition but seems to be sound none-the-less. Please study the pictures.

All in all a nice wartime RAF tunic. This could be ideal for a re-enactor but also would make a good addition to any RAF collection.