RFC Maternity Tunic, Breeches, Musette Bag and Personal Effects

A quite exceptional collection of Canadian made Royal Flying Corps items to one man, Gordon Stewart, who joined in Toronto on June 22nd,1918 and was demobbed on Dec 26 of the same year.

The Collection comprises, his other ranks Maternity style Tunic, Breeches and Musette Bag with various contents.

Created specifically for members of that Corps and as such evokes the classic image of the WW1 RFC, this example is in very good condition with just one moth hole that I can find on the front at the lower left side and is constructed in ribbed khaki serge. The large fold over flapped front is closed by four buttons and a hook and eye on the right side with a further two concealed buttons holding the under flap in place.

There are two flapped and buttoned pockets, a pair of shoulder straps and a stand-up collar closed at the neck by a brass hook and bracket. A good pair of Royal Flying Corps shoulder titles are in place.

The Tunic is unlined and retains a good 1917 dated Royal Flying Corps label to a Toronto maker.

First appearing in 1912 not long after the raising of the Royal Flying Corps, the Tunic was not officially adopted until 1913. Very soon after its appearance this distinctive Tunic was given the nickname “Maternity” as it was thought to resemble clothing worn by expectant mothers. The name stuck and it was universally used ever after.

When the RAF was created in 1918, that service abandoned this style of Tunic and reverted to a standard four pocket design instead. 

The Breeches are constructed in the same material with a slight colour difference, the label showing the same Toronto maker and 1917 date.  Condition is very good with no moth and notably with two rivet type buttons to the flares to allow them to stand out for a smarter look. Each leg terminates with an opening secured by two buttons while the fly and waist are closed by four buttons, one of which is missing. There are two open front slash pockets and buttons for the braces.

Finally, the Musette bag is in good condition with one hole and carries Stewart’s service number and some of his personal items.

 A quintessential RFC other ranks Service Uniform.