WWII 1942 RAF 1937 Pattern Khaki Drill Airman Jacket Named Ward 2220358 For Sale

DescriptionOriginal WWII Royal Air Force Khaki Drill Airman’s Frock / Jacket, 1937 Pattern, dated 1942.This is an original period RAF tropical/khaki drill uniform jacket retaining its original wartime label and, most importantly, the service number and name markings of the airman to whom it was issued.The interior label identifies the garment as:“FROCKS, Khaki Drill, Airmen. (1937 Pattern)”It is dated 1942 and marked Size No. 11. The size label indicates it was intended approximately for a man 5 ft 9 in–5 ft 10 in tall with a 38–39 inch chest.The interior is additionally marked:WARD F.R.
2220358The RAF service number has been independently cross-referenced with the official Royal Air Force personnel index held by The National Archives, United Kingdom, AIR 78/164/9. The record identifies:Francis Robert Ward — RAF Service No. 2220358This provides unusually strong provenance for a surviving WWII uniform garment, as the name and service number written inside the jacket correspond with an official RAF personnel record. The National Archives file itself confirms that AIR 78/164/9 contains the relevant personnel index material, including the page where Ward appears. AIR-78-164-9_1.pdfThe service number falls within a block associated with RAF enlistment processing during the wartime period. No claim is being made in this listing regarding Ward’s specific squadron, trade, operational postings or combat service, as those details have not yet been confirmed from his full service record.The jacket is constructed in khaki drill, the lightweight cotton uniform material used by British forces and the RAF for warmer climates and overseas service. It features the characteristic utility construction of the RAF 1937 Pattern garment, including four front pockets, button closure, structured collar, military stitching and removable-style button hardware.A later collector/dealer paper tag is attached to the jacket and reads approximately “1942 / Frock Airman / 37 Pattern / 45.00.” This tag is not represented as an original wartime RAF issue tag; it appears to be from a later collector or dealer.The garment shows genuine age and wear. There are visible areas of fabric deterioration, small holes, fraying and abrasion, particularly around the upper sleeves/shoulder area. These have been left untouched rather than repaired or restored. This is being sold as a historical collectible rather than wearable clothing.This piece would be particularly suitable for a WWII RAF collection, British militaria collection, aviation display, museum-style collection or research collection, especially because of the surviving named attribution.