Code: 10617
WW2 RAF 30 PATTERN SIDCOT "TEDDYBEAR" LINER "JACKET". This now jacket, once started life as a liner for the early 30 pattern SIDCOT flying suit. It has been modified with the removal of the legs. Whether this was done during its RAF life, or done post-war to make a usable jacket, I do not know. Regardless, it's now a jacket. This was previously worn by an RAF reenactor who wore it underneath an Irvin harness suit, which made the removal of the legs easier to believe.
Often referred to as the "TEDDYBEAR" suit, as they are made from a brown fur-like material, and once worn on its own, it does make the wearer look like a teddy bear! A lovely warm suit, often seen worn in period photos by themselves without the sidcot suit. Strictly, this was the liner for that suit, but it proved popular as an oversuit itself. I am unsure whether it was supposed to be worn with the fur facing inwards or outwards, however.
The condition of the suit is not bad at all, really. It has survived well; the only issue I can see is a small tear just above one of the pocket openings. A small repair is needed, but please see the photos. With no other holes or areas of fur loss to report. Still retains a good, strong brown colour and is very soft and furry! Inside the suit, there is again no damage or issues to report. The suit has the original label still in place, marked as a size 5, with size details below. Also dated 1938 at the bottom. The suit also has an A.M. crown ink stamped on the inside.
One of the buttonhole tabs is marked with the initials "J.A.W. and a service number of 1332147. We didn't think we would find much from these details, but we were pleasantly surprised to find the following details about an airman. We believe the initials and service number belong to Flight Sergeant Albert James Wickersham; we will attach a link to a page with further details. From this, we were able to find out Albert was a member of RAF 35 Squadron, a Pathfinder unit which flew Halifax aircraft out of RAF Graveley. He was sadly killed on the night of 25/26th of Novmber 1944, when his Aircraft was shot down by a Luftwaffe night fighter. Obviously Albert was not wearing this suit at the time, but it must have been amongst his earlier flying kit, or returned to stores after his use.
https://35squadron.wordpress.com/category/1-diary/on-this-day/25-11/ - Please use this link by copying and pasting it into your search bar.
Overall, a nice attributed Teddybear suit/jacket, worn by a member of the Elite Pathfinder Force, ideal for any RAF collection, display or museum.
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