RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
Article about: Hi After I was unable to buy the Royal Warwickshire Regiment uniform I saw this and I brought it. Its is a nice and worn tunic and trouser set to a Leading Aircraftmen and the seller stated
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
by
douglas2496
Yes, post war label. Probably 1960's.
Hi
Thanks. I will try and sell the trousers to get some money to buy a side cap to go with the tunic.
Cameron
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
by
Cameron Stockton
Hi
I have been looking at the trousers closely and I have the feeling that they might be post-war.
Cameron
Yes post war for certain with that label.
Regards,
Jerry
Whatever
its just an opinion.
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
Just adding this for reference , but the letter codes for WWII British arrow marked items is as follows;
R=1939 Q=1940 P=1941 O=1942 N=1943 M=1944 L=1945 though Z can also equal 1945
The post war sequence is not known, but it should be possible to work it out if enough dated and arrow marked items were available for study. During WWI it appears that they used a code sequence of letters based on the issuing depots, which has been posted on the Great war forum. I don't think any work has yet been done on the interwar years, but I think they put the date below the arrow in most cases.
Regards,
Jerry
Whatever
its just an opinion.
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
Hi, The style of your jacket was still in sevice in 1965/6. Removal of the label is, in my opinion, very suspicious. The airmans number is for a direct entry airman and is high. War issue tunics usually have a "bandage" pocket in the front skirt on the wearers right. Without proper inspection, I am of the opinion that it is probably post WW2 (1950's or 60's). With regard to the trousers, the label gives all the detail you need. The RAF Domestic Sub Section for Blue Uniform was 22F (Not shown on the label and phased out on most RAF clothing to be replaced by the NATO Codification). Your trousers bear the NATO COdification 8405 which replaced 22F and which is still current NP stands for New Pattern. 99 tells you that the item was procured (but not necessarily manufactured in the UK) for use by the British Military and the 7 digit number is its RAF Stock Referrence Number. Again, without seeing the trousers, I would say that they are 1960's issue for wear with the then new pattern Battle Dress Uniform. This uniform was replaced by the T72 Uniform Package and included the Number 2 Dress Uniform with a zip front jacket. I hope that you find this information of interest, Regards and best wishes Michael R
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
PS The mixing of embroidered and War Economy printed badges both on a blue/black field is not unusual and does not prove WW2 vintage as both were worn post War whilst stocks lasted. Cheers again Michael R.
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
Certainly the patches do not prove WW2 origin, they could indeed be old stock or added later. However, I stand by my conclusion that this is almost certainly a wartime jacket. My conclusion was based on careful observation of both my wartime and postwar jackets and the supplied photographs. It matches in detail my 1941 dated jacket and differs from my 1951 dated example as stated in several respects. Also, the bandage pocket in the right skirt is present on both the post war and wartime jackets, so I don't see how that could be relevant. I am happy to provide pictures for comparison if required.
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
Hi
Surely the date stamp proves ww2 period?
Cameron
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
by
Cameron Stockton
Hi
Surely the date stamp proves ww2 period?
Cameron
I must not have made it clear, the system of letter codes was also used in the post war period, though how that system works then is not known, so it is possible that the O means a different date, though if it is on an item that is known to be WWII from other factors it allows you to date it to the year of the war, but only if you know that it is WWII and cannot be used on its own to date an item. There should be other factors that date it to WWII such as shape of the collar, pockets etc, type of lining and so on. I am not up on RAF items so can't help there, but if it is WWII as Douglas states, then it was issued in 1942.
Regards,
Jerry
Whatever
its just an opinion.
-
-
Re: RAF Leading Aircraftman Uniform
Hi
Thank you for the additional information.
Cameron
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
Bookmarks