Description
Physical description
Single-breasted open-collared four-pocket jacket of RAF blue. The cuffs feature single rank braid rings (Pilot Officer) and all but one of the RAF officer quality crested buttons are present (one re-sewn by curator back in position (top) as it became detached during examination, 4/Dec/2009). The integral cloth belt fitted with brass open double-claw buckle it attached.
This jacket features many abrasions and rips to the upper left side, particularly to the arm, and the left sleeve is partially detached at the underarm, suggesting that the wearer sustained a near fatal injury to the left side of the arm, the underarm being where a projectile possibly exited his body. A single entry hole is located at the back of the jacket, four inches above the waist belt, one inch to the left of the seam (the lining shows a larger exit rip). Five of the present seven buttons show traces of mud deposits as does the reverse of the belt buckle. It would appear that this jacket has been laundered but there does remain some external staining overall. There is evidence of colour change to the internal lining.
Above the left breast pocket is evidence where the Pilot's brevet was once sewn, there being many loose threads remaining and some change of colour to the cloth. NOTE: a RAF Pilot's brevet of similar condition to this jacket is glued in place to a card frame mount that contains a uniform portrait of P/O Harrold, presented to the Museum with the same consignment of material.
History note
This jacket belonged to Pilot Officer Frederick Harrold, a Hurricane pilot who was killed in action during the Battle of Britain. Harrold, of Hills Road, Cambridge, was killed on Saturday, 28th September over Deal, Kent, having only just been posted to 501 Squadron two days previously. Harrold was shot down by a MeBf109 and was later interred at St Andrews Churchyard Cemetery, Cherry Hinton.
When Harrold's surviving sister died, the uniform, personal effects, including battered cigarette case, bent door key, damaged identity disc, talismans, pilots flying log book, medals, documents and photographs were bequeathed to the Imperial War Museum.
On examination it would appear that the service dress uniform is the one worn by him at the time of his being killed, the jacket and trousers clearly showing evidence of severe wounds from the left side to the right. Both have been cleaned previously but there is some staining and discouloration, and in addition some buttons and the belt buckle have earth deposits clearly visible. Although it is known that the crash-site was excavated in 1975, the uniform items, identity disc, and cigarette case are in too good a condition than would be the case if buried for 35 years.
Included with the collection is a card-framed photographic portrait of Harrold, having a pilot's brevet glued above the image. The 'wings' are of equal condition of the jacket and it is clear that these have removed from the garment, there being loose threads and colour change where the brevet was once sewn.
Inscription
HECTOR POWE
OF
REGENT STREET
Inscription
HECTOR POWE
REGENT ST, LONDON.W.1.
P/O HARROLD
79/1581 – 18.9.39
