RAF Pre-DPM Green Aircrew Combat Jacket

[wdbikemad]

"1960s’ RAF Pilot’s Cold Weather Olive Green Flying Jacket..." (seller - Hogspear)

Check this out on Ebay. Very good photos showing this rare item.......currently on £52 quid.......

 

It's incorrectly described as a cold weather flying jacket (this being applied to the shorter MK3 jacket in both grey and green, the latter still on issue), when in fact it is the fore runner of the current DPM aircrew Mk2 or 2A combat jacket........

 

The DPM version first appeared around 1970-71...........so I would guess that this item dates from the 1960s, probably the late-60s judging by the use of velcro on the pocket flaps and cuffs.......

 

Looking at the photos, it appears identical in cut to the later DPM version BUT instead of the vertical zipped chest pockets has a pair of angled patch pockets with rectangular velcro-secured flaps, the left one incorporating a pen pocket similar to that found on standard 50s and 60s combat smocks and middle parkas.......thus there doesn't appear to be a pen pocket on the left sleeve.........the front appears secured by the standard aircrew slotted taped buttons except for the neck area where standard sewn buttons are used for the closure, throat tab and hood attachment (the latter hidden in the pocket in the upper back).......the lining appears to be identical to the later DPM version and the material of the jacket seems to be green sateen as used in 60 pattern smock production........

 

I suspect that this is either a MK1A or early MK2 jacket.........sadly, the label isn't visible to show the aircrew stores "22C" number otherwise I could identify it positively.........the MK1 jacket first appeared around the time of Korea in blue-grey, but it's also possible that a green version of this existed......and the records also indicate that a later MK1A jacket was made...........the DPM version was originally a MK2, then later designated a MK2A.......

 

Either way, a rare item.......no doubt made for wear with matching trousers.......

 

Edited September 12, 2012 by wdbikemad

[Eaglehurst]

Saw that Steve and I concur - thought exactly the same....

 

Really nice example and a real shame that the label is not legible.

 

Hogspear really does come across some nice items but they do go for a premium!