VERY RARE, WW2 British, Collarless Shirt.

As shown with:

WW2 British, Battle Order, 37 Pattern Webbing Set, Northern Europe, Later War KG3 Blanco.

The basic garment worn under the battle dress was known as the collarless shirt, was pullover in style, had long sleeves and was made from Angola wool. The shirt had no pockets, and it was very long at the back. The neck area had a khaki drill material lining to prevent it from rubbing the neck of the wearer. The front normally had three small, pressed metal buttons to close the area from the chest to the neck with the sleeve ending in a small cuff with a single button. A softer version of the shirt was also produced from Flannel but was otherwise identical to the Angola version. Both patterns did have a small buttonhole at the rear of the neck to take a small collar stud, originally placed there for the use of officers who wore collars and ties, note that towards the end of the war regulations were relaxed with some units allowing other ranks to wear, ‘when walking out’, collar and ties.

This example is in a very, very large size, unfortunately I cannot find any kind of labelling, when laid flat the measurements are:

Arm pit to arm pit: 24”
Back of collar to base of shirt tale: 38”

It is in excellent wearable condition with only 5 minute holes to the base of the tail and a very small almost invisible stain to the lower right chest. I am no expert, but I consider the fabric to be the softer Flannel type, or it could be that the rougher Angola fabric has softened with age?

Priced to reflect larger sizing, I am 6’2” and the length is fine, and excellent overall condition.

Code: 95