Due to an oversight on the part of the Army, both the nurses and WACS arrived in England in the fall and winter of 1943 ill equipped for the cold winters and field duty. To make matters worse, when the new M43 field uniforms finally arrived from the US, they were found to be bulky, ill fitted, and had a tendency to shrink when laundered. In order to combat unheated offices and quarters, the ETO QM had a smart three-piece uniform designed. Based on the British battledress already in use by the WAAF and ATS, it consisted of a jacket with a matching skirt and trousers suitable for both officers and enlisted ranks. Enlisted WACs were also issued an unpiped men's pattern garrison cap to match, while the Officers retained their previously issue headwear. Unfortunately, the uniform would not be approved or supplied by the Pentagon, so these uniforms were manufactured by British tailors, and issued to the women serving in the ETO. Soon, privately tailored variations appeared in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters as well. When these women returned from their tour of duty, they still preferred the ETO uniform to their issued class A's, and although it was not officially issued, the Pentagon was forced to authorize the short jacket for stateside wear.
What material is the jacket made from?
The jacket is made from QM dark shade OD wool serge. This is a rougher wool serge. The shade is the same as the men's enlisted Ike jacket.
What period does this reproduction jacket represent?
This jacket is a reproduction of a uniform designed by the ETO QM in late 1943. It was created for women serving in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) due to the inadequacy of existing uniforms for cold weather and field duty. The design was based on the British battledress.
How does the jacket fit, particularly around the waist?
The jacket is designed with a 6-inch taper between the bust and waist. However, the taper can be more drastic, with some jackets having a 12-inch taper. This can make the waist fit tightly, even for those with a smaller than average waist.
Is insignia included with the jacket?
Insignia is not included with the jacket. The product description explicitly states that insignia is not included. Some jackets are pictured with insignia, which can lead to the expectation that it is included.
What are the common issues with sizing and fit?
The jacket can be too short, with some "short" sizes being described as "way too short." The shoulder fit can also be an issue, sometimes requiring tailoring. Sizing is inconsistent, and some jackets have missing buttons on the right sleeve.
Is the jacket considered high quality?
The jacket is generally considered to be of great quality and fine workmanship. The material and construction are well done. The overall quality is impressive, and the colour is good.
These answers are generated automatically from this product's own description and from customer reviews. They are a guide only and we take no responsibility for their accuracy. If a detail matters to your purchase, please ask us about this item to confirm it before ordering.
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