WWII RCAF Bombadier Battle Tunic

WWII RCAF Bombadier Battle Tunic - This dress tunic is fabricated from a grayish-blue cotton-wool blend, the tradition look of the RCAF, with CANADA flashes on both shoulders. The underside of the collar is lined in a steel blue wool. The front has four large pockets, one on each breast which have decorative straps giving them a pleated-look, the other two at the waist are without pleats and are larger and deeper than the breast pockets. All four pockets have fold over button down flaps with reinforced button holes and small brass buttons with the RCAF eagle insignia, the breast pockets with dual snaps. Above the left breast pocket is an embroidered GRVI Royal Canadian Air Force Bombardier wings badge and a three-ribbon ribbon bar (1939-1945 Star, Burma Star and Canadian Volunteer Service Medal). There is also a flap-less pocket midway between the upper and lower pockets on the right side. The front is completed by four large brass buttons on the right side, each with the RCAF egale insignia, facing four reinforced buttonholes on the left, while the rear of the tunic is single-vented. All buttons are maker marked "UNITED-CARR CANADA" on the reverse. There are loops on either side at the waist, with the matching belt fed through them, the left end with a dual-prong belt buckle and snap closure receiver, the right end with three rows of two reinforced holes each and snap closure stud, for an adjustable fit at the waist and supported by loops on either side at the waist. Each of the sleeve cuffs are purposely designed without buttons and have Flying Officer rank stripes sewn upon them. The inside of the tunic comes with a mid-tone purple rayon lining, while the sleeves are lined in the same material. There are pockets on either side, a small one at the left waist with a button sewn upon its front, the other on the right breast with the "SMALLMAN & INGRAM LIMITED London Canada" retail label sewn on the front and the owner's label sewn inside it, inscribed "MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR", with the naming in black ink, "P/O" (Pilot Officer) clearly visible but the remainder of the naming having faded with time. In addition, there is an additional white cloth strap sewn above the right pocket. The tunic measures 480 mm across the shoulders x 775 mm in length, exhibiting light soiling and wear, a large hole next to the front right waist pocket, a small one on the front left waist pocket, with evidence of mothing throughout, very fine.