~ WW1 British 55th Division Royal Army Service Corps Officer’s Cuff Rank Tunic ~
The tunic bears the 55th Division first pattern circular cloth formation patches, being a red rose with green stem on a circular khaki ground.
Its shoulders show signs of insignia (probably a Major) and the cuffs bear marks for the rank of Captain (even if the stripes have been removed at one point in time, traces of the old stitching are clearly visible).
At the beginning of the war field officers use to wear their rank insignia on the sleeves, making the officer a certain target for the enemy. In 1917 the insignia were moved to the shoulders, for better protection of the officers.
We can assume that he was promoted to Major around 1917 when the cuff ranks were removed.
Judging by the quality of the sleeves stitching we believe that they were temporary patched in the field until the officer was issued with a new tunic.
All buttons are present and they bear the regimental badge on the front and the manufacturer’s name on the back ‘Kenning, London’.
The medal ribbons on the tunic indicate the following awards: Military Order of the British Empire, British War Medal, Victory Medal with MID (mentioned in dispatches) and Territorial Force War Medal.
The tunic’s lining is made of green silk.
The collar insignia are missing.
~ Dimensions ~
The tunic is 34.5 inches (87.5 cm) tall (on the rear side) from the collar’s top to the lower edge of the tunic.
The width from shoulder to shoulder is 17.5 inches (44.5 cm).
The arm length (on the outside) from shoulder seam to the end of cuff is 24.5 inches (62.3 cm).
The waist is 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) across.
The chest (when laid down flat) from armpit to armpit is 18 inches (45.7 cm) across.
It weighs 1.45 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The tunic is in fair used condition for its age.
There are a few tears and moth holes on the upper front and some tears and patches on the lining. Please refer to the images.
