Original Canadian Made RAF Officer's Service Dress Suit - DFC Winner

An original Canadian made Royal Air Force officer's service dress tunic which belonged to a Flight Engineer who served during the Second World War. 

This uniform was most likely purchased by the original owner at the end of his training course in Canada in 1942. Many aircrews were trained in Canada during the Second World War and some were made officer's when they completed their training. At this stage they would have needed a new uniform which led to many getting them made whilst still in Canada. 

The tunic is made from the standard RAF blue grey coloured barathea wool and features brass King's crown buttons throughout as well as a brass waist belt buckle. A padded engineers brevet is fitted above the left breast pocket below which are medal ribbons including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Aircrew Europe which denote that the original owner fought with the RAF after leaving Canada in 1942. Inside the tunic the original tailors label is still present in the interior pocket. It bears the maker's name along with their Toronto address as well as the original owners name and the 1942 date. 

The trousers are typical of Canadian and American military trousers from this period featuring twin rear pockets and a zip fly - something never really encountered with British made uniforms. The zip is the original brass 'Lightning' branded example. The trousers also feature a twin pleated front, ticket pocket below the waistband and buttons for braces (some missing). 

The uniform will suit around a 38" chest. Below are some measurements taken with the uniform laid flat -

Jacket
Chest - 21"
Waist - 17"
Inside arm - 19"
Outside arm - 26 1/2"
Shoulders - 17"
Length at back - 29 1/2"

Trousers
Waist: 17"
Inside leg: 31".

The overall condition of this set is good with plenty of signs of wear. It was clearly used from when it was made in 1942 until the end of the war when the medal ribbons would have been added. There are some small holes and a couple of period repairs which are illustrated in the pictures. Please take time to study these and bear in mind that this is a vintage uniform which was worn during WW2 and has some small flaws commensurate with age and use. 

All in all, a truly spectacular and scarce American made example of this uniform which is named to a DFC winner.  

*The matching cap for this uniform is also listed here - www.blightymilitaria.com/en-GB/ww1-british-helmets-and-hats/3j/prod_54844