WW1 British Named RFC Maternity Tunic To Shot Down & Captured Pilot

This wonderful plastron fronted tunic is in the wrapover 'maternity' style so called for its resemblance to clothing worn by pregnant women. There is a ' Hawkes & Co, Saville Row ' tailors label to the inside breast pocket giving the date . There is also a two digit number which , as officers did not have service numbers in WW1 , would likely be the tailors reference for this man so as his measurements & details could be kept on file for future orders. The originally sewn embroidered on blue cloth RFC Flying badge is present to left breast . Each shoulder has two worsted rank pips for Lieutenant. No evidence of collar badges ever having been on , these are not seen on all RFC tunics it seemingly being down to the individual preference of the officer. There is plenty of period photographic evidence showing them with & without in wartime wear. The tunic is fastened by five concealed buttons to its right side with a double press stud arrangement to the top of the right shoulder. All of these fastenings are 100% original to the tunic. With a thick champagne lining there is a double hook & eye fastening to the stand & fall collar with collar liner still affixed.
In quite excellent condition the full service history of this Pilot in the form of his service record will be provided to the purchaser.

Code: 15046