WWII British Desert Shirt and Shorts

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Ciaran, they are the same as mine, which if I recall correctly are Indian made. Nice buy!


Cheers, Ade.

[Ciaran Byrne]

This picture gives a truer reflection of the colour. Any opinions on the buttons?

[Ciaran Byrne]

Do you know Adrian, I have just noticed a maker mark on the buttons... "Abdul Salam Master Tailor". Thought that sounded a bit dodgey...

This is the reverse. What appears to be a pocket on the back is in fact a repair patch. Not sure what the staining is, could be bleach or paint but haven't attempted to remove it yet.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Ciaran, sorry, I replied bfore your second pic. I think the button on mine are metall too? I know I had to replace the two buttons on the loops as they were missing, which I did with a couple of wartime plastic British buttons.

This "spotting" is very common to KD's. I have no idea what causes it. Again mine have it. Maybe something to do with the dying process? It does not come out even after washing, but it will fade a little.


Cheers, Ade.

[Marc Sherriff]

You may find that the "patch" is the First Field Dressing pocket.

All the best
Marc

[Ciaran Byrne]

Wouldn't the dressing pocket have normally been on the front though for easier access?

[Jack Dutton-Roberts]

Hi Ciaran,

Nice looking shorts and a bargain at that price

"Wouldn't the dressing pocket have normally been on the front though for easier access?"

Not necessarily. You only have to look at the "Trousers Parachutists" to see that there were two dressing pockets on the rear. A picture is attached - pair of originals from my collection I wish...

Yes Ade it is the little group of items that I've been meaning to do a post on...I must get round to it sometime!

Hmmm, you might be right about the KD Service Dress instead of the KD shirt, but then I wonder what his shirt would have looked like if this is not it?

I think he must have an Indian connection as I have only ever seen a wing put on the front by the Indian Airborne. Also, he has a Pacific star with a bar to Burma in his medal group. On his normal Service Dress tunic he has Pacific, Italy and France and Germany stars as well as the war medal and the Defence medal but no, yes no, 39-45 star. I think this needs further research....

Thanks from Jack.

[Marc Sherriff]

Is the "patch" covering a large hole? If not then maybe it is the FFD pocket.

[Ciaran Byrne]

Is the "patch" covering a large hole? If not then maybe it is the FFD pocket.

Good question. I cannot see evidence of a hole but the covering is set at a strange angle and measures roughly 6" x 4". I'll post a pic up tonight so as you can get a better idea.
Jack, I see what you mean about the field dressing pockets situated at the rear, however they look much larger than the patch on the back of my shorts.