Description
Physical description
Double-breasted calf-length overcoat of grey-green tweed, featuring an open turn-down collar with wide notched lapels, front fastening of three rows of two buttons with a concealed button-tab fastening towards the bottom, a vertical slash pocket to either side of the waist, an adjustable button-tab to either wrist, a fixed rear half-belt and a tail vent fastened by one button. All external buttons are of olive green celluloid and are of the four-hole variety. Internally, the overcoat is fully-lined in sage green rayon fabric.
Sewn to the right forearm is a light grey square cloth badge with the text 'W.V.S' above 'CIVIL' above 'DEFENCE' in a square border surmounted by a crown, all in red embroidery.
Label
The first WVS uniform was introduced in June 1939 at the behest of its founder, Lady Reading. Designed by fashion designer and couturier Digby Morton, it consisted of a grey-green tweed overcoat and green felt hat, followed up in October of the same year by a grey-green tweed jacket and skirt, red blouse and light green cotton overalls. In 1940 a light flannel dress was introduced for summer wear, as well as a maroon jumper and cardigan for winter wear and a grey-green gabardine raincoat for wet weather.
History note
The Women's Voluntary Service (WVS) was founded in 1938 by Stella Isaacs, Marchioness of Reading as a voluntary organisation intended to recruit women for Air Raid Precautions and Civil Defence duties. During the Second World War its members were heavily involved in helping victims of the Blitz and played a key role in the evacuation of civilians in Britain. As the war progressed its duties grew exponentially, ranging from running mobile canteens for soldiers and civilians to setting up local 'Incident Enquiry Points' that provided information on air raid casualties. At its wartime height, the British WVS numbered some 960,000 members, with subsidiary WVS organisations founded in India, Australia and Canada. The WVS exists today as the Royal Voluntary Service.
Inscription
OVERCOATS W.V.S.
Size 7R
BUST 34 inches
HIPS 37 inches
LENGTH 45 inches
JOHN BARRAN & SONS LTD.
1942
Inscription
W.V.S.