WWII 1943 RAF Wing Commander Greatcoat Named V.S. Bowling by Gieves

Original WWII Royal Air Force officer’s greatcoat, manufactured by Gieves Ltd and clearly dated 6/43 – June 1943. The original tailor’s label is named to V. S. Bowling, identified as Victor Swanton Bowling, RAF service number 24197, later Air Vice-Marshal V. S. Bowling CB CBE.

The coat retains its original brass King’s Crown RAF buttons and is fitted with removable officer’s rank straps displaying the insignia of a Wing Commander.

Victor Swanton Bowling had a long and distinguished RAF career. During the Second World War he held a number of senior appointments, including command of RAF Woodvale and No. 323 Wing in North Africa. He was Mentioned in Despatches on 8 June 1944. The published announcement does not give an individual citation stating the precise reason for the Mention in Despatches.

Bowling continued to serve after the war, becoming a substantive Group Captain in 1947, being appointed CBE in 1948, and later reaching the rank of Air Vice-Marshal. He subsequently served as Air Officer Commanding No. 11 Group RAF and was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1958.

The greatcoat is made from substantial RAF blue-grey wool and is a particularly generous size for an original wartime officer’s coat.

Overall in nice original condition for its age, with expected service and storage wear. There is some wear along the fold of the lapel from long-term use, together with areas of wear to the lining. There are a couple of minor moth nips to the wool, although these are relatively unobtrusive and can be made less noticeable by carefully teasing the surrounding pile. There is also some wear to the lower main three buttonholes.

Approximate external measurements, taken laid flat:

Armpit to armpit / chest: 23"

Waist, measured along pocket line: 22"

Shoulder to shoulder: 19"

Shoulder seam to cuff: 27"

Armpit to cuff: 19"

Centre back, base of collar to hem: 50½"

Weight: 3.24 kg

A particularly attractive and well-dated 1943 RAF officer’s greatcoat, retaining its early stitched belt, King’s Crown buttons and Wing Commander rank straps, with excellent named provenance to a senior wartime RAF officer who later rose to Air Vice-Marshal.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.