Unknown WW2 Waistcoat

**edelweiss123** · 05-09-2013, 05:09 PM

Hey everyone,

We have been given this 1942 dated white wool/felt type material jersey/waistcoat. Marked R.O.F Waistcoat Jersey White Mans.

I have tried researching this and am coming up with nothing. I think it might be a liner of some sort.

It is in a sealed bag and looks to have been attacked by moths so if possible id like to keep it sealed for now

Any contributions appreciated as always!

**Jerry B** · 05-09-2013, 05:14 PM

The only ROF I can think of is for the Royal Ordnance Factory, so maybe for munitions workers?

**edelweiss123** · 05-09-2013, 05:55 PM

Thanks Jerry, Just did a little looking into that and came across something that explained how they had to wear white so they could be easily checked for fragments of metal so it didn't mix with the cordite.

**big ned** · 05-09-2013, 07:27 PM

by edelweiss123

Thanks Jerry, Just did a little looking into that and came across something that explained how they had to wear white so they could be easily checked for fragments of metal so it didn't mix with the cordite.

....And the reason it's made of felt is because it doesn't generate static electricity, which could spoil yer whole week....Well worked out guys!

Regards, Ned.

**Jerry B** · 05-09-2013, 07:37 PM

The factory where I did my apprenticeship had been part of the ROF at Llanishen in Cardiff during WWII and the unit next door was still known as the ROF. There were lots of ROF's in many towns producing munitions and weapons for the war effort.

**harryamb2** · 05-09-2013, 07:55 PM

remember seeing these when I was a kid in the royal arsenal Woolwich.

**edelweiss123** · 05-09-2013, 07:58 PM

Cheers for all the info guys! Not bad for a free item. We also got given a blanket she said was her fathers during WW2 and also says she's going to see if there's anymore stuff we can have.

**edelweiss123** · 05-09-2013, 08:37 PM

Would you guys say these are pretty common? Im thinking of keeping it in the bag to preserve it.

**big ned** · 05-09-2013, 08:46 PM

I wouldn't know if they're common, it's not something you'll see everyday that's for sure. Might be a good idea to bang the bag in the freezer for a week to kill off any moth eggs and other such nasties and stop any further damage.

Regards, Ned.

**edelweiss123** · 05-09-2013, 08:47 PM

by big ned

I wouldn't know if they're common, it's not something you'll see everyday that's for sure. Might be a good idea to bang the bag in the freezer for a week to kill off any moth eggs and other such nasties and stop any further damage.

Regards, Ned.

Good idea! Thanks for the advice!