WWII British Desert Shirt and Shorts

[Ciaran Byrne]

Does anybody have any of the above items in their collections? I recently aquired a pair of "Bombay Bloomers" as they were known and was wondering how they compare with others. Also, I am curious to see a shirt as I have never come across one of these yet, are they rare or quite common?

[DJT]

Hi Ciaran,

There was a number of variants with the Desert shorts. Plus private private purchase examples not to mention those produced by India, Australia and other Commonwealth countries with troops in the desert. You can find original pairs for around £25 or so.

I have a British desert 1942 dated shirt. I bought a batch of 5 at Beltring about 3 years ago. All unissued and wrapped in twine complete with WD tag (which I kept). I paid £13 each for them which i thought was great value. I only have the one left. They are not common but not too difficult to find if ones looks. Having said that though I doubt I could find them for £13 again ;-)

Regards,

Des

Does anybody have any of the above items in their collections? I recently aquired a pair of "Bombay Bloomers" as they were known and was wondering how they compare with others. Also, I am curious to see a shirt as I have never come across one of these yet, are they rare or quite common?

[Ciaran Byrne]

That's interesting about the shorts Des. The ones I've go haven't got the front patch pocket but have the double belt strips (sadly the buckles are missing). I am going to try and get hold of a shirt at Beltring this year.
I'll try and post a pic of the shirts later on.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Ciaran, I will photograph my KD shorts for you. Give me a day or two. Mine are the twin buckle type as well.

True "Bombay Bloomers" are shorts with a large turn up to the leg which button up. This allows these to be folded down in the evening, (when mosquitoes are active) and tucked into the long socks so as to provide protection to the legs.

Cheers, Ade.

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

Hi Ciaran,

Here is one of my favourite Khaki Drill shirts in my collection. It is an officer quality example and belonged to a Colonel attached to the Paras. Pictures say it all I'd say.

Khaki Drill shirts are getting rarer and in my opinion are still under-rated compared to Battle Dress etc...

Thanks from Jack.

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

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[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

#8 Removable buttons

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Jack, is the the item that you mentioned the other week that is named?

I would actually call this a KD Service Dress as opposed to a shirt? I guess the owner served/trained in Indian hence the placment of the Parachute wings?

Any evidence of a ribbon bar?

Cheers, Ade.

[Ciaran Byrne]

Nice shirt jack. Are the buttons standard for officers on this type of uniform? Any maker marks or names??

[Ciaran Byrne]

Eat My Shorts!

Here's the ones I got the other day... no front pockets, only two hip pockets. No belt loops either. Only paid £2.50 for them.