Description
Physical description
Description: Description: Single-breasted four-pocket Service Dress jacket of blue-grey lightweight fabric featuring an open collar, pleated breast pockets with scalloped flaps and exposed buttons, skirt slash pockets with rectangular flaps and exposed buttons, and a matching integral waistbelt stitched to the back which is fastened at the front with a double-pronged brass buckle. All buttons are of brass RAF crested form. Sewn to each upper arm is the RAF eagle patch, while below the rank badges of a Flight Sergeant. Directly above the left breast pocket are sewn the following medal ribbons: Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45.
Label
The uniform of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force was introduced alongside the formation of the service in 1939. Service Dress for officers and airwomen closely resembled the patterns worn by men but cut for the female figure, with the latter being made of a better quality fabric. Approval was given for badges of rank to be worn by all ranks except Aircraftwoman 1st and 2nd Class in April 1940 (AMO A.212/40). In September 1941, the rank of Leading Aircraftwoman was introduced (its rank badge being introduced the following January (AMO A.104/42)), while the ranks of Under Officer and Senior Officer were reclassified as Warrant Officer and Flight Sergeant respectively (AMO A.771/41). Trade and qualification badges were not authorised until February 1942 (AMO A.124/42).
History note
Based upon a note found in the right-hand pocket of the jacket's skirt; this jacket was worn by Flight Sergeant M.E. Alcock - service number 885544.
Sergeant Alcock married to become Mrs M.E. Woodgate.
Inscription
JACKET SERGE W.A.A.F.
Size No. 10
Height - 5 ft. 5 in. to 5 ft. 6 ins.
Bust - 35 to 36 ins.
Waist - 27 to 28 ins.
________________________________
JOSEPH MAY & SONS (LEEDS) LTD.
MAENSON HOUSE, LEEDS.
__________
292/C/921N (Con 16D)
June, 1942
↑
Inscription
MRS M.E WOODGATE
1 ROKE RD KENLEY SURREY
CR2 5NQ
FORMERLY
No. 885544 FLT/SGT M.E. ALCOCK
WAAF.